One of the biggest factors in how long flowers live is where they stand. Finding the right spot at home changes not only how they look, but how long they last. Three things are enough to watch.
1. Keep them away from sun and heat
Keep cut flowers out of direct sunlight and away from radiators, air-conditioning draughts and sudden changes in temperature. Hot, dry air pulls water out of the stems faster.
2. Choose a cool, airy corner
A cool, airy spot helps flowers stay fresh. That said, avoid leaving them in completely closed, stuffy rooms too.
3. Move them away from the fruit bowl
Ripening fruit affects flowers as well. Apples and bananas in particular release ethylene gas, which makes delicate flowers fade faster. Place your arrangement well away from any fruit bowl.
Once the corner is right, only small seasonal adjustments remain: Care in tune with the seasons.