How to Care for Cut Flowers at Home

A practical routine for preparing cut flowers, keeping the vase clean and choosing the right place to display them.

Vase arrangement showing the wedding colour palette of pink, cream, peach and orange — A mixed vase arrangement from our floral work. Clean water, careful preparation and a suitable position are the starting points for care.

Start with a clean vase

A little preparation makes caring for cut flowers much easier. Wash the vase thoroughly and rinse it before filling it with fresh water. Remove the wrapping from a loose bouquet and check the stems. If your flowers arrived as a finished arrangement, follow the instructions supplied rather than taking it apart.

Prepare the stems

Use clean, sharp scissors or floral shears to remove about 2–3 centimetres from the stem ends. Make a clean angled cut and remove leaves that would sit below the waterline. Put the flowers into water promptly after cutting.

Use flower food as directed

If a flower-food sachet is supplied, mix it with the amount of water stated on the packet. A stronger solution is not automatically better. If you do not have flower food, concentrate on clean water, a clean vase and regular maintenance rather than mixing household additives.

Check the arrangement each day

Check the water level daily and top it up as needed. Replace cloudy water promptly; otherwise refresh it every few days. When changing the water, rinse the vase and trim the stems again where practical. Remove fading flowers and yellowing leaves so the remaining flowers stay tidy.

Find a comfortable position

Keep cut flowers away from direct sun, heaters, strong draughts and ripening fruit. A cooler, stable position is usually better than a hot windowsill. Vase life varies by flower type and condition, so follow any variety-specific instructions supplied.

Ask us about your arrangement

If you are unsure how to top up a particular container or care for a flower you do not recognise, contact our studio. We can help you identify the best next step for the arrangement you have.

Would you like a printable version?

Keep the original care sheet handy for reference.

Download the original printable PDF

Need advice about your flowers or plant? Contact our studio, or explore our care guide library.

Photography: Charles McKean for Susan Avery.