General Flower Care Tips
1. Trim the StemsGive your flowers a fresh start by trimming about 1 inch off the bottom of each stem. Use clean, sharp scissors or shears, and cut at an angle to help them absorb water more effectively. Do this every few days!
2. Find the Right Vase
Choose a clean vase and fill it with fresh, lukewarm water. Add the flower food packet included with your Mill Valley Flowers bouquet – it provides nutrients to keep your blooms happy and bright!
3. Change the Water RegularlyFresh water is key to keeping flowers fresh! Fill up your vase with fresh clean water upon receiving your flowers. Replace the water every 2-3 days, giving the stems a fresh trim each time. This helps to prevent bacteria buildup and keeps your flowers looking their best.
4. Keep Away from Heat and DraftsPlace your bouquet in a cool spot away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and drafts. Flowers love a stable environment, so avoid placing them near appliances or in areas with fluctuating temperatures.
5. Remove Fading FlowersAs some flowers naturally wilt over time, carefully remove them to maintain the arrangement’s overall health and freshness. This practice also allows the remaining flowers to shine!
Special Care for Different Types of Bouquets
At Mill Valley Flowers, we design bouquets with a variety of blooms, each with unique characteristics. Here’s how to care for a few popular types:
1. Roses- Remove any leaves below the water line, as they can rot and affect water quality.
- Gently peel back the outer "guard petals" to reveal fresher layers beneath, giving your roses a fuller, more vibrant appearance.
- Be sure to keep the vase clean, as roses are especially sensitive to bacteria.
- Lilies are long-lasting and open over time, so expect blooms to reveal themselves gradually.
- Keep lilies out of direct sunlight for optimal longevity.
- For safety (especially around pets and children), carefully remove the pollen-covered stamens from each flower, as pollen can stain fabrics and surfaces.
- Tulips continue to grow in water! Trim them slightly every few days to keep your arrangement looking neat.
- They love cooler temperatures, so place them in a cool spot and change the water daily for best results.
- If your tulips start to droop, wrap the bouquet loosely in paper and place it in cold water for a couple of hours. This gives them a quick boost!
- Orchids add an exotic and elegant touch to any space but need special attention.
- Unlike other cut flowers, orchids do best with their roots exposed to light. If your orchid is potted, place it in bright, indirect sunlight.
- Water your orchid weekly by giving it a quick soak – avoid letting water sit in the vase or at the bottom, as orchids don’t like soggy roots.
- Humidity is an orchid’s best friend, so mist your orchid lightly every few days to mimic its natural tropical environment.
Prolonging the Life of Your Flowers
If you’re looking to make your flowers last even longer, a few simple tricks can go a long way! Keep a mist bottle nearby to occasionally spritz your bouquet lightly, especially if the air in your home is dry. Avoid placing your flowers near ripening fruits, as fruits release ethylene gas, which can speed up the wilting process. Some even swear that cut flowers will last longer if you add a copper penny and a cube of sugar to the vase water. The copper in pennies is thought to act like an acidifier, which prevents the growth of bacteria.
Why Choose Mill Valley Flowers?
At Mill Valley Flowers, we pride ourselves on sourcing the freshest blooms and designing bouquets with an artist’s touch. Our flowers are carefully selected to ensure you receive only the best, and we’re here to support you every step of the way in caring for your arrangements. With these tips, your Mill Valley Flowers bouquet will stay beautiful for days, adding a warm and cheerful glow to your space.
Thank you for choosing Mill Valley Flowers!