Pro Floral Care Tips from Your Favorite Los Angeles Florist
Welcome to our local guide on maintaining the allure of your floral treasures—brought to you by The Unlikely Florist, Los Angeles’ go-to florist for unique flower sculptures, custom arrangements, and next-day delivery. Nothing brightens a space quite like a stunning bouquet, but making those blooms last longer requires a little know-how.
Whether you’ve just received a handcrafted arrangement from our flower shop in Venice Beach or picked up your bouquet during one of our pop-up van deliveries in LA, these expert floral care tips will help you enjoy your flowers for days to come.
Here are our top tips to keeping your flower arrangements as fresh and vibrant as the day they arrived:
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Clean Vase:
Start with a spotless vase or vessel. Bacteria from previous arrangements can dramatically shorten the life of your blooms. Clean your vase with warm, soapy water before placing your fresh flowers inside. (Bonus: Try one of our custom ceramic vases for added beauty and functionality!) -
Fresh Water:
Swap the water in your vase every two days, or whenever it appears cloudy. Fresh, clean water is the single most important factor in keeping your Los Angeles floral arrangement looking pristine. -
Trim Stems Properly:
Before placing your flowers in water, cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. This maximizes the surface area for water absorption. Re-cutting stems also prevents air bubbles from blocking water uptake—essential for all cut flower care. -
Remove Lower Foliage:
Leaves submerged in water can rot quickly and lead to bacterial growth. Remove any foliage that sits below the waterline to protect your arrangement. -
Use Floral Preservative:
Add a packet of floral preservative to your vase water. It nourishes your blooms and inhibits bacteria. No packet? No problem! Mix 1 tsp sugar, a few drops of bleach, and a splash of lemon juice in your water for a DIY floral solution—straight from our Los Angeles florist studio. -
Keep Cool & Avoid Sun:
Place your arrangement in a cool area away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and appliances. LA summers are no joke—heat and light can fade colors and wilt petals fast. -
Mist for Moisture:
Use a spray bottle to mist your flowers, especially the petals and leaves. This adds humidity and is particularly helpful for delicate blooms like orchids or peonies. -
Re-cut Stems Regularly:
When refreshing your water, give each stem a fresh cut. This small but mighty step revives the flower’s ability to absorb water and prolongs the life of your bouquet. -
Rotate the Vase:
Gently turn your arrangement every few days to ensure even light distribution. This keeps the blooms upright and prevents them from leaning toward the window. -
Remove Wilting Flowers:
As some flowers naturally fade, remove them from the bunch. Dying blooms emit ethylene gas, which can cause nearby fresh flowers to decline faster.
Final Thought from Your Outlaw Florist:
Caring for your florals is more than just maintenance—it’s part of the art. At The Unlikely Florist, we believe every bloom tells a story. Whether you’re styling one of our signature floral sculptures, receiving a surprise bouquet from Untho (our flower-filled 1980 VW van), or preparing for your big day with a wedding flower installation in LA, we want your flowers to last and leave a lasting impression.
Want more tips or custom care guides? Drop by our studio or follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes blooms, flower care inspiration, and updates from Untho’s next stop.
