Flowers bring joy, but only if they last. As a florist serving the West Hills and Woodland Hills communities for decades, I've seen the same simple flower care mistakes repeated time and again. In this post, I'll share the top 5 mistakes and how to avoid them, so your blooms stay beautiful for as long as possible.
Mistake #1: Forgetting to Trim the Stems
Why this matters: Untrimmed stems block water flow, causing flowers to wilt faster than necessary.
What to do: Always cut stems at a 45-degree angle using clean scissors or shears. Cut under running water to prevent air bubbles from entering the stem.
Lia's Pro Tip: I tell my clients to give each stem a fresh cut every two to three days. Think of this as a reset button for your bouquet. The angled cut creates more surface area for water absorption and prevents the stem from sitting flat against the vase bottom.
Mistake #2: Using Dirty Vases
Why this matters: Bacteria accumulate in dirty vases and travel up the stems, dramatically shortening flower life.
What to do: Always start with a clean vase. Wash with mild soap or add a splash of vinegar to remove any film or residue.
From My Workshop: I never reuse a vase without rinsing thoroughly. Even a small soap film can harm fresh blooms. Before adding water, I run my finger around the inside to check for any slippery spots that indicate leftover residue.
Mistake #3: Putting Flowers in Direct Sunlight or Near Heat
Why this matters: Heat dehydrates flowers quickly, reducing their vase life by half or more.
What to do: Keep arrangements away from windows, heating vents, and kitchen appliances. Choose spots with indirect light and stable temperatures.
Real Talk: I once had a client call me heartbroken because her anniversary flowers wilted overnight. Turns out they were sitting under a bright skylight. We moved them to her dining table, and the remaining buds opened beautifully over the next few days.
Mistake #4: Not Changing the Water (or Skipping Flower Food)
Why this matters: Dirty water equals bacteria growth, which equals sad, droopy flowers within days instead of weeks.
What to do: Change water every one to two days and use the flower food packet that comes with your arrangement. Mix the powder thoroughly before adding flowers.
Lia's Pro Reminder: I include flower food with every arrangement for a reason. The packet contains sugar to feed the flowers and antibacterial agents to keep the water clean. Don't skip this step if you want your investment to last.
Mistake #5: Overcrowding the Vase
Why this matters: Stems need space for proper airflow and water access. Crowded arrangements create competition for resources and promote the growth of bacteria.
What to do: Remove excess greenery from the lower portions of stems. Give larger arrangements breathing room by separating stems into multiple containers.
Design Hack: Sometimes I break a large bouquet into two or three smaller vases. Breaking a large bouquet into smaller vases looks intentional and helps everything last longer.
Bonus Flower Care Tips from Lia
Here are a few extra tricks I've learned over the years:
- Mist thirsty flowers like hydrangeas once a day with a spray bottle
- Store arrangements in cool spots overnight if your home gets warm during the day
- Use sharp floral shears instead of dull kitchen scissors for cleaner cuts
- Remove wilted flowers immediately to prevent them from affecting healthy blooms
- Add a penny to the water for tulips to keep them from drooping
Fresh Flowers, Fewer Regrets
With these five fixes, your flowers will last days longer and bring you joy throughout. Trim stems at an angle, start with clean vases, change the water regularly, avoid placing them near heat sources, and give the stems room to breathe. Whether you buy from a flower market or Lia's Flowers in West Hills, these simple habits make all the difference.
Want blooms that last and look beautiful from day one to day seven? Let me help! Text or call Lia at 818-642-1308 for a personalized arrangement and pro flower care tips. West Hills and Woodland Hills flower delivery is available.
