floral care instructions

‘you are in control of how long your flowers last’

At Snaffle & Mane, we’re all about giving you the freshest blooms. But once your flowers are in your hands, there are a few simple steps to help them stay vibrant and beautiful for as long as possible. Following these tips is key to making sure your flowers last their longest—trust us, it’s worth it!

1. Unwrap Your Bouquet to Let Them Breathe

Your bouquet arrives wrapped in pretty paper and ribbon, with a little water bubble to keep them hydrated. First thing’s first: take the wrapping off within 24 hours. This gives your flowers room to breathe and lets them soak up all the nutrients they need to stay fresh and lively.

2. Use a Clean Vase and Fresh Water

Here’s the secret to keeping your flowers looking fab: fresh water! Find a clean vase, fill it halfway with room temperature water, and pop your flowers in. Dirty vases and old water can cause bacteria, which clogs the flowers’ water channels and makes them wilt faster.

3. Cut the Stems to Help Them Drink

Once unwrapped, cut the stems about 1cm at a 45-degree angle using sharp scissors. This exposes fresh tissue that helps your flowers drink up the water they need. Don’t use dull scissors or garden shears—they’ll crush the stem and mess with water absorption. Fresh cuts = happy flowers!

4. Room Temperature Water Works Best

Flowers are picky about temperature! Cold water can actually damage their stems, making it harder for them to drink. Stick with room temperature water for the best results, unless you’re working with flowers like tulips, which love a bit of coolness.

5. Remove Dead Leaves and Petals

Make sure to remove any dead leaves or petals that fall below the waterline. Decaying plant matter can lead to bacteria, and that’s a no-go. (We always say, “leaves cause disease”—so keep it clean!)

6. Recut the Stems Every 2-3 Days

Here’s the deal: even though you’ve cut the stems once, you’ll want to do it again every 2-3 days. This clears out any air bubbles and keeps the water flowing easily. As soon as you recut, put them back in fresh water to keep them hydrated.

7. Change the Water Every 2 Days

The key to longer-lasting flowers is fresh water. Change it every 2 days, and while you’re at it, give the stems another quick cut. This simple step keeps bacteria away and gives your flowers the best chance to thrive.

8. Keep Flowers in a Cool Spot, Away from Wind

Flowers love water, but they don’t love extreme temperatures. Keep your bouquet away from direct sunlight, heat, or wind. A cool spot is perfect. (And yes, we know all about that Fremantle doctor—it’s great for the beach, but not so much for your flowers!)

9. Floral Preservative for Extra TLC

A floral preservative can work wonders to keep your flowers happy. It helps stop bacteria and boosts water absorption. You can grab one from the store or make your own at home!

DIY Flower Preservative Recipe:

4 cups of warm water • 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice • 2 tablespoons sugar

The sugar feeds your flowers, while the vinegar or lemon juice helps stop bacteria and helps them drink up!

10. Flower Food for Extra Love

Flower food is your flowers’ secret boost. Just a little sprinkle with each water change helps keep them nourished. One sachet lasts a week—so it’s an easy win!

11. Keep your flowers away from fruit

To extend the life of your flowers, keep them away from ripening fruit. As fruit matures, it releases ethylene gas, which can cause flowers to wilt and decay more quickly. Placing them in a separate space will help maintain their beauty for longer!

Additional tips from your Unhinged florist:

• Be Gentle with the Petals: When topping up the water, use a watering can with a spout to avoid getting water on delicate petals—especially roses!

• Don’t Overfill Your Vase: Too much water can drown your flowers. Fill your vase about halfway up to avoid overcrowding.

• Know Your Flower’s Water Needs: Some flowers, like natives, need more frequent water refills. Check your bouquet daily and top up as needed.

By following these simple steps, your flowers will stay bright, beautiful, and fresh! Thanks for choosing Snaffle & Mane—we can’t wait for you to enjoy your blooms for as long as possible.