Bringing home a beautiful bouquet or decorative arrangement from your trusted local florist can brighten up any space. Whether you’ve just received a bunch for a special occasion, had flowers delivered to your business, or are planning blooms for a wedding in New Eltham, proper care is crucial. Well-tended flowers not only look lovelier for longer; they can also enhance mood and add elegance to your home or workplace. Our experienced New Eltham florists have compiled their best advice to help you keep your flowers fresher, longer.
Caring for your flowers doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple attentiveness and a few tried-and-true steps will make a big difference in preserving your bouquet’s beauty. Follow these fundamental flower care tips from our New Eltham florists:
1. Trim the Stems
On receiving fresh flowers, always trim at least 2-3cm off the stems at a 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area for water uptake and prevents stems from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase, which can impede hydration. Re-trim every 2-3 days for maximum freshness.
2. Remove Foliage Below the Waterline
Any leaves left below the water level will quickly rot, encouraging bacterial growth that can shorten the lifespan of your flowers. Strip any foliage that could sit submerged in the vase water before arranging your bouquet.
3. Cleanliness is Key
Always start with a spotless vase. Wash it thoroughly with hot, soapy water before use. Bacteria from an unclean vase is one of the main culprits in reducing vase life.
4. Flower Food Matters
Most flowers from professional New Eltham florists include a flower food sachet. Mix this into lukewarm water according to instructions. This special mix helps nourish flowers and keep water clean. If you run out, you can make your own (see our life hacks below).
Different seasons call for adjustments in flower care. Our team at New Eltham Florist keeps a close eye on climate and bloom selection to ensure the best for each bouquet, and we recommend you do the same:
Spring & Summer: Warmer weather can cause blooms to wilt more quickly. Keep arrangements away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and drafts. Change the water every other day to prevent bacteria. Mist delicate blooms lightly to keep them hydrated in the heat.
Autumn & Winter: Flowers can dry out from central heating or cold windowsills. Position your vases away from radiators, open windows, or blasts of cold air. In cooler seasons, flowers may last longer, but it’s still vital to change water regularly and re-trim stems.
Local New Eltham Note: If you live or work in an older property or have unpredictable indoor temperatures, pay extra attention to drafts and hot spots that may affect your blooms. Consistent moderate temperatures are ideal for flower longevity.
Clever tricks from professional florists can significantly lengthen the vase life of your bouquets. Here are our top New Eltham Flowers tips and life hacks:
- Homemade Flower Food: No sachet? Mix one teaspoon of sugar, two teaspoons of lemon juice, and a few drops of bleach in a litre of clean water. This solution nourishes the flowers and inhibits bacteria.
- The Penny Trick: Drop a clean copper coin into your vase. Copper acts as a mild fungicide and may help prevent bacterial growth, keeping water clearer for longer.
- Aspirin Aid: Dissolving a crushed aspirin in the water can lower the pH, making it easier for stems to absorb hydration. This old trick is particularly useful for roses and similar blooms.
- Chilling Out: If you’re prepping flowers for an event or want them to last for a party, move them to a cooler area or fridge overnight. Just be careful not to chill below 4°C, as some delicate petals (like orchids) are sensitive to cold.
- Remove Wilting Flowers: Take out any flowers or foliage that start to look droopy or show signs of decay. This prevents them from contaminating the rest of your arrangement.
New Eltham florists work with a wide variety of blooms, each with unique care requirements. These quick tips will help you get the best from the region’s most popular flowers:
Roses: Recut stems every couple of days and remove any outer ‘guard’ petals. Keep away from ripe fruit, which emits ethylene gas and hastens wilting.
Lilies: Remove pollen-heavy stamens as soon as blooms open to prevent stains and extend life.
Tulips: Tulips keep growing in the vase. Display with enough room for stems to stretch and keep water levels topped up.
Gerbera: Place in shallow water and refresh regularly—these blooms are sensitive to stem rot.
Hydrangeas: Dunk entire heads in cool water for 30 minutes if they start to wilt; they drink through petals as well as stems.
Our local team regularly fields common questions from households, wedding planners, and businesses about keeping arrangements beautiful. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked:
How often should I change the water? Change water every other day, or daily during hot weather. This prevents bacteria and keeps flowers perky.
Should I use cold or warm water? Lukewarm water is ideal for most blooms. Only use cold water for bulb flowers like tulips or daffodils.
Why do my flowers wilt quickly? Most often, it’s because of dirty water, untrimmed stems, or exposure to excessive sunlight or draughts. Review our basics to troubleshoot.
Our florists proudly serve New Eltham weddings and local business spaces as well as households. Each environment needs slight tweaks for optimal flower care:
For Weddings: Keep bridal and table arrangements cool and hydrated right up to the ceremony. Mist bouquets lightly if the venue is warm and have extra water sources available for the day.
For Businesses: Place arrangements away from busy entryways, heat sources, and air conditioners. Assign staff to refresh water and remove decaying blooms at least every two days.
For Homes: Regularly check water levels, especially in hot kitchens or sunny windows. Let foliage- and petal-heavy stems breathe by spacing them out in the vase.
The difference between a fading bouquet and a long-lasting, vibrant display comes down to expertise. Our florists have spent years perfecting not just the art of design, but the science of flower care for the New Eltham community. We know how local conditions, seasonal changes, and individual flower types work together, and we’re always happy to share our knowledge.
Whether you need elegant centrepieces for a business reception, an unforgettable wedding arch, or just a cheerful bunch to brighten your home, our team provides advice and quality blooms that last.
Caring for your flowers doesn’t require special equipment—just attentive, thoughtful steps and a little inside knowledge from your local florist. Remember to trim and clean, change water diligently, and adapt your care by season and flower type. With guidance from New Eltham florists, you can enjoy radiant, long-lasting flowers that elevate every setting.
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