How to Properly Cut Flower Stems to Extend Freshness

Everyone likes fresh and good looking flowers, but often people do not know that it is really easy to make them last longer with proper care. One of the easiest and most effective ways to extend the life of your flowers is by learning how to cut flowers correctly and doing it regularly.

This small step takes only a minute, but it helps your bouquet stay fresh and beautiful for days. In this article, we’ll walk you through why trimming flower stems matters, how often to do it, and the best techniques and ways to do so. Whether you’re new to flower care or just want your next bouquet from our Edmonton shop to last a little longer, these simple tips will help.

Why Cutting Flower Stems Matters

When flowers are cut from the bush, their stems immediately begin to seal off. This is a natural response of plants that limits water intake and can quickly lead to wilting. If you’ve ever wondered why a bouquet seems to fade faster than expected, this could be the reason.

Cutting flower stems before placing them in water reopens the channels that draw up moisture, helping the flowers hydrate better. Without it even the freshest blooms can begin to droop sooner than they should. It’s one of those simple habits that makes a real difference.

When and How Often Should You Cut Stems

Ideally, cut the flower stems as soon as you unpack your bouquet. Even if they look perfect, a fresh cut gets them ready to absorb water immediately. This is especially important if they’ve been out of water during transport.

In order to make your bouquet stay fresh longer, we recommend trimming flower stems every two to three days. It’s a quick task that you can do when changing the water and rinsing the vase. These few minutes go a long way in preventing bacteria buildup and keeping the flowers hydrated.

Note that different flower types may require different approaches to racing care of them. For example, orchids and carnations may last longer than roses or daisies. If you do not know how often to clip flowers that you already have, it is better to start with a general schedule.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Flower Stems

Our professional florists at Florans have prepared this little detailed instruction for you in case you do not know how to properly cut flowers for a vase:

1. Start with clean and really sharp scissors. A pair of garden shears or a regular kitchen knife works well.
2. Cut the stems under running water or while submerged in it. This keeps air bubbles from entering the stem. Always cut at a 45-degree angle for better hydration.
3. Be sure to remove any leaves that will fall below the water line, because they can decay quickly and contribute to bacterial growth, shortening the life of your flowers.
4. Repeat the trimming process every few days along with water changes.

Common Stem-Cutting Myths (Debunked!)

One common myth is that you only need to cut the stems once. In reality, flowers continue their attempts to heal a damaged place and to seal off, blocking the access to water, so trimming regularly helps them stay fresh longer.

Some people say that hot water helps flowers hydrate better. But in most cases, room temperature water is the safest and most effective way to do so. Hot water can damage delicate flowers, while cold water can freeze and shock them.

You might also hear that adding coins, sugar, aspirin, or soda to the vase can help. While these old tricks may have some logic behind them, nothing works better than clean water, regular stem trimming, and special flower food for your type of plants.

Our florist team always knows how to properly take care of fresh bouquets and how to trim flower stems in the right way. That’s why our bouquets bloom beautifully and stay fresh and vibrant for a long time. With over 15 years of experience and thousands of bouquets delivered, Florans is proud to be a trusted florist for thousands of our customers. Explore our online collection, place your order in minutes, or visit our shop in Edmonton YEG and pick the exact flower arrangement that was in your thoughts.