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Yes, for the millionth time you’ve received a bunch of flowers. This time, however, you've decided not to let them wilt in two days as usual. This time you're going to do things right. You'll put them in a vase, change the water, and talk to them in a soothing voice to convince them to stay alive.

Too bad you have no idea how to take care of them.

The last time you tried to keep a bouquet of flowers alive, it ended with you crying over your money thrown into the trash can along with the now rotten flowers.

But this time it will be different.

This guide will teach you how not to murder those poor flowers you received as a gift and how to make them live long enough to make you feel like an experienced gardener. Or at least long enough to post a picture on Instagram and attract some likes.

Common mistakes that kill the bouquet:

They're not plastic plants!

Plants are not inanimate decorations. They require care and attention, just like any other living thing. If you don't treat them as such, your bouquet will wilt faster than you can say "Oops!"

(-) Too much (or too little) water. If you overwater, the roots will rot. If not enough, they will dry out. Check the soil - it should be moist but not soggy.

(-) Wrong location. Flowers need light. Keep them away from direct heat sources, but in a bright spot, such as near a window.

(-) Inadequate vase. Flowers need a vase with drainage holes and fresh flower soil. If you leave them in the paper or plastic they came in, they will wilt very soon.

In short, treat your flowers with the same care you would a puppy or a baby. Change the water, give them a suitable vase, and put them in a sunny spot. And for heaven's sake, throw away that plastic! If you follow these tips, your floral creations will last longer and look healthier and more lush.

Proper care for a long-lasting bouquet:

If you want your bouquet to last a long time, you need to treat it with care. Here are some tips to keep your flowers from wilting:

 Placement

Place the bouquet away from heat sources like stoves or cookers and do not expose it to direct sunlight. An ideal environment is a cool place, such as a storage room or veranda. Remember to change the water every 2-3 days and cut at least a centimeter off the stems before putting them back in the vase, to allow for better absorption.

Water

Flowers are thirsty, so make sure the vase is always about one-third full. Check the water level daily and top it up when necessary. Do not use ice-cold water, as it will shock the flowers. Lukewarm or room temperature water is ideal.

Change the water in the vase every 2-3 days. Stagnant water promotes

the growth of bacteria that hinder the flowers' water absorption. Fill the vase with fresh, clean water until about one-third of the stems are covered.

 Choose the right vase

Choose a vase that is suitable for the size of your bouquet, neither too big nor too small. A vase that is too big will cause root rot, while one that is too small will not hold enough water. Make sure the vase has drainage holes in the bottom so that excess water can drain away.

Cut the stems

As soon as you bring the flowers home, cut the stems again by an inch or two. Cut stems absorb water better. Also, make sure to remove any leaves that will be submerged in the water.

 Keep flowers away from heat sources

Place the flower vase away from heat sources such as stoves, fireplaces, and ovens. Heat will accelerate the wilting of flowers. Keep them in a cool place, preferably not in direct sunlight.

Conclusion

And so, here you are with a bouquet of flowers that you bought with the best intentions but without the slightest idea of how to keep them alive. Fear not, with these tips you will be able to keep them alive at least until the next anniversary or birthday, when you can buy a new bouquet and start over.

Just remember: keep them out of the sun, change the water daily, cut the stems, and feed them. Follow these tips and your flowers will thank you by lasting a few extra days. If you kill them anyway, well, at least you'll have an excuse to buy more flowers. Good luck and... don't be discouraged! Your green thumb will develop over time. Maybe.