Flower Care Guide: Keep Fresh Flowers Beautiful
Keep your flowers looking their best with Sisu Flower's guide to fresh bouquets, vase arrangements, flower boxes and dried flowers.
When your flowers arrive · Everyday care · Care by arrangement · Common questions
How to care for a fresh flower bouquet
- Choose a clean vase. Wash it thoroughly, rinse away any detergent and fill it with fresh tap water. A vase that supports the stems without crowding them will help the arrangement sit comfortably.
- Unwrap with care. Remove the outer wrapping and any temporary water pack. You can leave the bouquet's binding in place to keep its shape. Place the flowers in water promptly.
- Prepare the stems. Remove leaves that would sit below the waterline. Using clean, sharp scissors or secateurs, cut about 1–2 cm from each stem at an angle, then return it to water.
- Use flower food as directed. If supplied, mix it with the amount of water stated on the packet. More concentrated food is not better; measure the water and follow the instructions.
A simple everyday flower care routine
Check the water level every day, especially in warm weather. Some flowers drink quickly, so make sure the cut ends remain under water. Top up when needed.
Refresh the water and wash the vase regularly, around every two days or sooner if the water becomes cloudy. Remove fading flowers and fallen leaves. Give the remaining stems a fresh trim with a clean tool before returning them to the vase.
Display flowers in a cool spot with indirect light. Avoid direct sun, heaters, hot windowsills and strong air-conditioning draughts. Keep them away from ripening fruit, which releases gas that can shorten the life of some flowers.
Care for your type of arrangement
Flowers delivered in a vase
Keep the arrangement in its vase and check the water level on arrival. Support the stems gently when refreshing the water. Avoid packing extra stems into an already full vase, as crowded foliage can make it harder to keep the water clean.
Flower boxes and baskets
These designs may contain a water vessel or floral foam inside a protective liner. Keep the arrangement upright on a water-resistant surface. Check the water or foam daily and add small amounts of water slowly into the inner container as needed, without soaking the decorative box or overflowing the liner.
If the flowers are secured in foam, leave the stems in place. Pulling them out and pushing them back can damage their water supply. If you cannot see how your arrangement holds water, ask us before adding any.
Dried and preserved flowers
Keep dried and preserved flowers dry: do not add water or mist them. Display them away from direct sunlight, damp rooms and humid windowsills. Handle gently and remove dust with a very soft, dry brush. If a design combines fresh and dried elements, contact us for advice suited to that arrangement.
Flower care questions
How long will my flowers last?
Vase life varies with the flower variety, stage of opening, room temperature and care. Different stems in one bouquet will fade at different times. Remove spent flowers and enjoy the remaining blooms in a smaller vase.
What if my flowers look a little tired?
For a fresh bouquet, check the water, clean the vase, trim the stems and allow the flowers time to drink in a cool room. If you are concerned about their condition on arrival, contact us promptly with your order number and clear photos so we can help.
Do I need flower food?
Use the supplied food according to its label when available. If you do not have any, focus on clean water, a clean vase and regular care. Avoid adding household cleaning products or mixing improvised remedies into the vase.
Why are my tulips bending, or my roses opening differently?
Flowers continue to change after cutting. Tulips can grow and bend towards the light, while roses open at different rates. A little natural movement or variation is part of the arrangement's character.
Need advice about your Sisu flowers?
Tell us which arrangement you have and send a photo if you can. Email sales@sisuflower.com.au, call 03 9969 2864 or contact our Prahran florist.