How to Care for Flowers: Tips from an Expert

A lot of people will be stopping to smell the roses on Valentine’s Day. According to statistics, and average of 198,000,000 roses are grown for Valentine’s Day gifts in the United States , with people spending $1.9 billion on flowers for this holiday. The most popular type of flower? Red roses, purchased by 51 percent of people buying Valentine’s Day flowers. With so many people receiving bouquets, we wanted to provide you with flower care tips, and asked the experts at our sister company, ProFlowers, for some help. Kate Law, head floral designer at ProFlowers, gave us three key ways to care for flowers so they will last as long as possible.

Check out our Ultimate Flower Gift Guide with tips and recommendations on what kind of flowers to send for any occasion. For more expert gift ideas, visit Gifts.com with the best selection of flowers, plants and more.

1. Cut the stems of the flowers at an angle before putting them in the vase. 

This ensures the flowers will absorb more food and water.

2. Remove any leaves that fall into the vase under the water line.

These leaves foster bacteria, so the flowers will wilt earlier if these leaves are not removed.

3. Remove the outer layer.

Some flowers, roses included, have two to three outer petals that protect the inner ones. Remove those petals so the flower can open fully.