The Secret To Everlasting Blooms How To Keep Your Flowers Fresh

Fresh flowers breathe life into any space—they speak without words, soften sorrow, and celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. Whether you’ve received a beautiful sympathy bouquet, placed a funeral tribute in remembrance of a loved one, or simply brought home a bouquet to brighten your day, you want those blooms to last as long as possible. At Rest in Blooms, we believe flowers deserve to stay beautiful for as long as the sentiment behind them lives on.

Here’s how to extend the life of your flowers with care, intention, and a few insider secrets.

1. Start with a Clean Slate: Prep Your Vase and Stems

Before placing your flowers in water, be sure to clean your vase thoroughly with soap and warm water. Any lingering bacteria can shorten the life of your flowers dramatically. Once your vase is ready, give the stems a fresh diagonal cut—about one inch from the bottom—using a clean, sharp knife or shears. This angle increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents stems from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase.

Remove any leaves that will be submerged in water, as these can rot and cloud the water quickly, leading to bacterial buildup that shortens bloom life.

2. Feed Them Well: Nourishing Your Flowers

Flowers thrive on hydration and nutrients. Most arrangements from trusted local florists come with a packet of flower food—don’t skip this step! Mix it into room-temperature water according to the instructions before placing your blooms.

If you don’t have flower food on hand, create a DIY mix: add one teaspoon of sugar (for nourishment), two drops of bleach (to fight bacteria), and a few drops of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (to balance the pH). Replace the water every one to two days, rinsing the stems and vase each time to keep everything clean and fresh.

3. Placement Matters: Keep Blooms Away from Heat and Fruit

Your flowers will last longer if they’re kept in a cool, shaded location away from direct sunlight, heat vents, or fans. Avoid placing them near fruit bowls—ripening fruit emits ethylene gas, which accelerates wilting in flowers.

A stable temperature between 65–72°F (18–22°C) is ideal for most floral arrangements. At Rest in Blooms, our floral experts design every funeral flower arrangement to stay fresh as long as possible, but placement still plays a critical role in preservation.

4. Refresh Daily: Water and Trim for Longevity

Think of your flowers as living art—they need attention to stay radiant. Check the water level daily and top off with fresh water if needed. Every couple of days, completely change the water and trim the stems again. This prevents bacterial growth and keeps water flowing through the stems.

If your bouquet includes hydrangeas, tulips, or roses—which are especially thirsty blooms—they may benefit from misting or brief rehydration dips in cool water.

5. Creative Tricks from the Experts

For those looking to take their floral care a step further, try these tried-and-true tricks:

Hair Spray: A light misting on the underside of the petals can help flowers maintain their shape.
Refrigeration Overnight: Pop your bouquet into the fridge overnight to slow the aging process and keep blooms perky longer.
Crushed Aspirin or Coins: Some swear by adding a crushed aspirin or a copper coin to the vase to prevent bacteria growth—though flower food is still the best choice when available.

Final Thoughts: Let Flowers Reflect the Care They’re Given

Whether you’re honoring a loved one with funeral flowers or displaying a bouquet that brings joy to your home, caring for blooms with intention ensures they remain a beautiful part of your space and your memory. With just a little love and attention, flowers can continue to tell your story—softly, beautifully, and for days to come.

Explore more floral care tips, sympathy etiquette, and our curated selection of handcrafted arrangements on our blog at Rest in Blooms.

Because every bloom deserves to be remembered.