Fresh flowers don't have to be fleeting. With a few simple steps, most bouquets can last significantly longer than they would with no care at all. Here's exactly what to do — especially useful in Dubai's climate.
Trim stems the moment they arrive
The most important step is the first one: trim each stem at a 45-degree angle before placing in water. This increases the surface area for water uptake and removes any sealed ends that have dried during transport. Use clean scissors or a sharp knife — never crush or tear. Re-trim whenever you change the water.
Use clean water and change it every two days
Place trimmed stems immediately into clean, room-temperature water. Change the water every two days and rinse the vase each time. Flower food sachets (often included with bouquets) genuinely help — they contain sugar for nourishment, an acidifier to improve water uptake, and a biocide to slow bacterial growth. If you don't have flower food, a small amount of sugar and a few drops of bleach in the water achieves a similar effect.
Placement matters more in Dubai than anywhere
Dubai's heat makes placement especially critical. Keep flowers away from:
Direct sunlight — a sunny windowsill in Dubai's climate will wilt a bouquet within hours. Indirect bright light is ideal.
Air conditioning vents — the dry, cold air from a direct AC vent desiccates petals quickly. Keep flowers at least a metre from any vent.
Fruit bowls — ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which accelerates flower ageing significantly. Keep your vase well away from the kitchen fruit bowl.
Does flower food actually work?
Yes — the difference between flowers cared for with flower food and without is measurable. In our own experience, arrangements with proper water care and flower food consistently last 30–50% longer. It's worth using every time.
How long different flowers last
Roses: 7–14 days with proper care. Our roses are cut fresh to order, which means they arrive at the earliest stage of their vase life. Remove guard petals (the outer petals that may look slightly damaged) — this is normal and conceals the perfect petals beneath.
Lilies: 10–14 days. They open gradually over several days, so a bouquet that looks tight on arrival will be spectacular by day three. Remove the orange pollen stamens to avoid staining fabrics and surfaces.
Orchids: 2–4 weeks as cut stems; months as potted plants.
Tulips: 5–7 days. They continue to grow after cutting, bending gracefully toward light.
Mixed arrangements: 7–10 days. Remove spent blooms as they go over to let remaining flowers continue drawing water.
Reviving wilting flowers
If flowers begin to wilt prematurely, try a full re-cut (removing 2–3cm from each stem), fresh water, and a cool dark location for a few hours. Many bouquets recover remarkably well from this treatment.
All FlowerStreet bouquets are cut and arranged fresh to order, giving them the longest possible vase life from the moment they arrive. Browse our best-selling bouquets — available for same-day delivery across Dubai.