Flower Care Instructions

Fresh flowers are designed to be enjoyed, and a few simple care steps can help your arrangement stay beautiful longer. Whether your flowers arrive in a vase, wrapped bouquet, basket, or floral foam design, follow the instructions below to keep them looking their best.

How to Care for Vase Arrangements

If your flowers arrive in a vase with water, the most important care step is keeping the water fresh and clean.

Replace the water every other day with fresh, clean water.
Re-cut each stem on an angle before placing the flowers back into the vase.
Trim about 1/2 inch from the bottom of each stem when re-cutting.
Remove any leaves that fall below the water line.
Keep the arrangement away from direct sunlight, heating vents, fireplaces, appliances, and fruit.

Leaves sitting below the water line can cause bacteria to build up faster, which may shorten the life of your flowers. Clean water and freshly trimmed stems help flowers absorb water more effectively.

How to Care for Floral Foam Arrangements

Some arrangements are designed in floral foam instead of a traditional vase. Floral foam helps hold the flowers in place and provides water to the stems.

Keep the floral foam wet at all times.
Add water daily or whenever the foam feels dry.
Pour water slowly near the center of the arrangement.
Avoid overfilling the container.
Do not remove stems from the foam, as this can affect the design and water access.

Floral foam arrangements are created to stay in position, so the best approach is to keep the foam hydrated and place the arrangement in a cool location.

How to Care for Wrapped Bouquets

If you receive a wrapped bouquet, place the flowers in water as soon as possible.

Remove the bouquet from the wrapping unless the design is intended to stay wrapped.
Fill a clean vase with fresh water.
Re-cut the stems on an angle before placing them in the vase.
Remove any leaves that would sit below the water line.
Refresh the water every other day.

Where to Place Fresh Flowers

Placement matters. Fresh flowers generally last longer when they are kept in a cool, stable environment.

Keep flowers away from direct sunlight.
Avoid placing arrangements near heat sources or air vents.
Do not place flowers next to ripening fruit.
Keep arrangements away from drafty windows or doors.
Place flowers somewhere stable where the container will not be bumped or tipped.

Rose Care Tips

Roses benefit from clean water, fresh cuts, and proper placement.

Change the water every other day.
Re-cut rose stems on an angle before returning them to the vase.
Remove leaves below the water line.
Gently remove outer guard petals only if they become bruised or damaged.
Keep roses in a cool room away from direct sunlight and heat.

Lily Care Tips

Lilies are popular for their beauty, fragrance, and long-lasting blooms.

Refresh the water every other day.
Re-cut stems on an angle as needed.
Remove pollen from open lilies carefully to help avoid staining.
Keep lilies away from pets, especially cats.

Important pet safety note: lilies can be highly toxic to cats. If you have cats in the home, place lilies completely out of reach or choose a pet-friendly floral option.

Sympathy and Funeral Flower Care

Sympathy arrangements, funeral flowers, standing sprays, baskets, and vase designs may be created in different formats. Care depends on how the flowers are arranged.

For vase arrangements, refresh the water every other day.
For baskets or container arrangements with floral foam, keep the foam wet.
For standing sprays, avoid moving the design unless necessary.
Keep sympathy flowers in a cool location before services whenever possible.

Common Flower Care Mistakes to Avoid

Do not leave vase water unchanged for several days.
Do not allow leaves to sit below the water line.
Do not place flowers in direct sunlight or near heat.
Do not let floral foam dry out.
Do not place fresh flowers next to fruit bowls.

Need Help With Your Arrangement?

If you have questions about caring for your flowers, contact King of Prussia Flower Shop. We are happy to help with care guidance for vase arrangements, floral foam designs, sympathy flowers, roses, lilies, seasonal bouquets, and custom floral arrangements.

King of Prussia Flower Shop
180 Town Center Rd
King of Prussia, PA 19406
610-992-0203
kopflowers.com
Instagram/TikTok: @kopflowers

Flower Care FAQs

How often should I change the water in my flower arrangement?

For vase arrangements, replace the water every other day with fresh, clean water.

Should I cut flower stems before putting them back in water?

Yes. Re-cut stems on an angle before returning them to the vase. This helps the flowers take up water more easily.

Do floral foam arrangements need water?

Yes. Floral foam should be kept wet. Add water daily or whenever the foam feels dry.

Why should leaves be removed below the water line?

Leaves below the water line can break down in the vase water and contribute to bacteria buildup.

Where should I place my flowers at home?

Place flowers in a cool location away from direct sunlight, heat, air vents, appliances, and fruit.