You just received a lovely bouquet of pink roses and carnations. Naturally, you rush home and set them in a vase of fresh water. But you missed a crucial step.

Fresh flowers require immediate care when you first get them, plus regular maintenance. If you don’t follow these steps, you’ll notice the petals will begin to wilt by day three. And before the week is over, your romantic bouquet will be tragically laid to rest in the garbage.

So whenever you’re gifted with fresh blooms, here are some tips to help them last as long as possible.

5 ways to make your fresh flowers last longer

1. Trim stems and remove leaves below water line

Before setting your bouquet in the vase, take the time to trim each stem at a 45º angle. Your flowers need to drink plenty of water, and doing this increases the surface area for water absorption. Do this every two days, as the stem will try to heal and “close up”.

Make sure to remove any leaves that end up below the water line. If leaves or foliage are left submerged, they will eventually rot and contaminate the water. And we don’t want that.

2. Change water regularly

Every other day (ideally, everyday if you can) change out the vase water. Sitting water is a breeding ground for bacteria. If left unchanged, your flowers will be drinking dirty water, which will ruin their overall health and longevity. So do your bouquet a favor and give them fresh water as often as possible.

3. Clean the vase often

Every two days, we recommend washing your vase with soap and warm water. If there’s any harmful bacteria, this will flush it out. Fresh flowers are very sensitive; a clean environment is crucial to keeping them alive longer.

4. Keep your fresh blooms in a cool, dry area

It’s best to display your bouquet away from direct light. Sunlight can dehydrate your flowers quicker and cause the petals to wilt faster. Not only that, but the water can heat up, too. It’s best to avoid warm water, since that heightens the chance of bacteria growth.

As much as we love a vase of fresh tulips by the window, keeping them in some shade will help them stay alive longer.

5. Research the lifespan of your flowers

Some cut flowers live a bit longer than others. By doing your research, you can know what lifespan to expect (and emotionally prepare for it). Poppies and tulips, for instance, start to retire about a week out. On the other hand, carnations and baby’s breath can last up to a month with proper care.

Some flowers may need some extra attention, and some (like orchids) are more low-maintence. As long as you follow our care recommendations, you’ll be in a good spot.

If you want blooms that can last up to three years, look into Eos Forever Flowers

Remember, fresh flowers aren’t meant to last forever. But if you want them to, consider Forever Flowers and Forever Roses.

They’re fresh flowers that get preserved with a natural plant-based solution. There is no maintenance, water, or stem trimming required. But they still retain the stunning vibrancy of a fresh bloom, which we find pretty incredible.

At Eos Blooms, we have a wide collection of preserved flowers that are artfully arranged in NYC. If you want a bouquet reminiscent of a summer sunset, or a dramatic display of hydrangeas and roses, you can find them in our shop.

Whatever you decide, we hope your flowers bring in beauty and abundance to your home.