Caring for cut flowers begins with the right vase. How long they last depends largely on the water; five small habits make a big difference.
1. Keep the vase clean
Wash the vase with soapy water before each use. Bacteria left by the previous flowers make it harder for new stems to drink.
2. Cut the stems at an angle
Before putting the flowers in the vase, cut one or two centimetres from the end of each stem at an angle, with sharp, clean scissors or a knife. The larger cut surface draws water more easily.
3. Leave no leaves below the waterline
Always remove any leaves that would sit below the water. Leaves left in the water rot and cloud it.
4. Change the water often
Refresh the water every two days, daily if you can. Rinse the vase and trim the stems a little more each time; the flowers stay fresh for longer.
5. Get to know your flowers
Every flower drinks differently. Some love plenty of water, others do better with a more modest level. Getting to know the flowers in your vase is the first step to keeping them beautiful for longer.
Water sorted, the next question is where the vase lives. For light, heat and the fruit bowl, see Light and environment.