First Things First: Unwrap and Hydrate

Wrapped bouquets are usually freshly cut and ready for a vase, but it’s important to remember that they’ve likely been out of water for a bit and are really thirsty. Think of them as yourself after a long day on your feet—they just need a good drink and a little pampering.

Start by carefully removing the wrapping and (using clear, sharp scissors or floral shears) give each stem a fresh cut at a 45-degree angle. The angle is essential as it increases the surface area, so each stem can drink up more water and rehydrate faster. Straight cuts or dull scissors can squash the stem and slow its water uptake, and nobody wants a sad, wilted bouquet on day two.

Say Goodbye to Leaves Below the Waterline

After trimming, take a moment to check each stem for leaves or foliage that might sit below the water once in the vase. This step is so important. Leaves submerged in water break down quickly, turning your vase into a murky science experiment of bacteria, funk, and flower sadness. Gently strip away any greenery that will dip below the surface. Not only will your water stay clearer and smell fresher, but your blooms will also last longer since they won’t have to compete with bacteria for hydration.

Flower Food is Bloom Fuel

When you receive a wrapped bouquet from WildFlower, you might notice customized tiny packets of powder tucked into the bouquet. That’s your flower food, and it’s like bloom fuel. Flower food contains a mix of sugar (for energy), acidifiers (to keep the water at the right pH), and biocides (to fend off bacteria). It’s the trifecta that keeps flowers perky and vibrant instead of sad and droopy. If you’re curious, you can read more about flower food here.

To properly use flower food, it’s critical that you take time to read the instructions printed on the packet and follow them accordingly. Take special care in preparing the flower food and water, mixing the correct proportions of each until all is dissolved.

Then, grab a vase that has been washed with warm, soapy water and rinsed well to remove any leftover gunk. Fill the vase with roughly two-thirds of water, leaving room for the flower food mixture and space for the stems that will go in next.

If your bouquet didn’t come with a flower food packet, don’t worry. Most local florists (like WildFlower Stem & Sundry!) sell flower food separately. Trust us, it’s worth having on hand if you’re a repeat flower enthusiast.

Let Them Breathe

When placing your newly trimmed and nourished bouquet in the vase, try not to overcrowd the stems. Flowers need space to breathe (just like we do), and a tightly packed arrangement can block water flow or bruise delicate petals. Giving them a little room to stretch and shine will make your arrangement look fuller, fresher, and more intentional.

Find Their Happy Place

Now comes the fun part of deciding where to show off your bouquet. Most flowers do best in a cool spot with bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun or heat (think windowsills or beside the stove) can zap their energy fast. Avoid placing flowers near vents, fans, or drafty windows, as sudden temperature changes can shorten their life. And don’t forget about your pets! Some flowers can be toxic to cats and dogs, so if you’ve got curious paws roaming around, place your bouquet somewhere out of reach. Click here to double-check which blooms are generally pet-friendly.

Keep It Fresh

Let Your Bouquet Live Its Best Life 

Wrapped bouquets from WildFlower Stem & Sundry are crafted with intention and are full of seasonal stems and artistic flair. Taking a few moments to care for your flowers at home not only extends their life but deepens your connection to the beauty they bring.

Whether you’re placing them in the entryway to greet you after a long day, centering them on the dining table for a dinner party, or tucking them on your nightstand for a soft, floral end to your days and sweet starts to your mornings, flowers have a way of grounding us, lifting us, and making everyday life feel a little more magical. So go ahead, buy yourself that bouquet. (Or hint heavily to your loved ones.) Then treat it like the little luxury it is with fresh water, flower food, and lots of love.