Flower care
Keep your flowers fresh for longer
A few simple steps make a big difference. Here’s how we look after flowers and plants in the shop, so you can do the same at home.
1. Trim the stems
Cut about 2cm off each stem on an angle with a sharp knife or scissors. Remove any leaves that would sit below the water.
2. Clean vase, fresh water
Use a clean vase with cool water and add the flower food sachet if one came with your flowers.
3. Refresh every 2 days
Change the water, rinse the vase and give the stems a fresh trim. Take out any flowers that have finished.
4. Keep them cool
Keep flowers out of direct sun and away from heaters, air conditioners and fans. Warm or dry air makes them wilt much faster.
Where to put them
A cool spot is best, out of direct sun and away from heaters, air conditioners, fans and sunny windowsills. Keep them away from the fruit bowl too: ripening fruit gives off a gas that makes flowers age faster. In hot weather, a cooler room overnight helps them last.
Arrangements and boxes
If your flowers are set in a box, basket or ceramic pot, they sit in wet floral foam. Top it up with water every day so the foam never dries out, and leave the flowers in place rather than pulling them out.
Flower by flower
Roses
Roses drink a lot, so check the water daily. If a head starts to droop, re-cut the stem and stand it in deep, cool water for an hour. Outer “guard” petals can be gently removed if they look marked.
Lilies
As each flower opens, gently pull off the orange pollen tips with a tissue. This stops pollen staining clothes and tablecloths and helps the flowers last. If pollen does get on fabric, brush it off with sticky tape; don’t rub or wet it. Lilies are poisonous to cats, so keep them well away from cats.
Tulips
Tulips keep growing in the vase and bend towards the light. Turn the vase each day to keep them straight, and use only a little water.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas also drink through their petals. If one starts to wilt, re-cut the stem and sit the whole flower head in cool water for 30 minutes.
Gerberas
Use just a few centimetres of water, as gerbera stems go soft when they sit in deep water. Change it often.
Flowers that arrive in bud
Lilies, roses, tulips and others are often sent closed so you can enjoy them opening over the next few days. Keep them in a warm, bright room (out of direct sun) to help them open.
Caring for your plant
Watering
Push a finger into the soil. If the top 2 to 3cm feels dry, water well and let the extra drain away. Don’t leave the pot sitting in water, as soggy roots are the most common way plants are lost.
Light
Most indoor plants like bright light but not direct sun, which can scorch the leaves. Near a window with a sheer curtain is ideal.
Peace lilies
They droop when thirsty and perk up within hours of a drink, so they’ll tell you when it’s time to water.
Moth orchids
Water about once a week: soak the pot, then let it drain fully. Keep in bright, indirect light. When the flowers finish, trim the stem above a node and it may flower again.
Pets and flowers
Some flowers and plants aren’t safe for cats and dogs. Lilies are the big one: every part, even the pollen and vase water, is dangerous to cats. If you’re worried your pet has eaten something, call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 (24/7).
Questions about your flowers?
Call the shop on (03) 9755 5456. We’re always happy to help.