Flowers respond best to lukewarm water because it allows them to absorb the necessary moisture more easily through their stems. Water that is too cold can slow down the absorption process, causing flowers to receive less water and wilt more quickly.
On the other hand, hot water can damage the delicate tissues in the stems and accelerate the aging of flowers. Heat causes faster cell breakdown, and flowers may lose turgor (firmness) much more quickly.
For optimal care of flowers in a vase, it is ideal to use lukewarm water at a temperature of around 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). This temperature helps keep the flowers hydrated and healthy for as long as possible.
Most cut flowers should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Direct sun rays cause the water in the vase to evaporate faster, leading to quicker dehydration of the flowers. This results in rapid wilting because the flowers cannot absorb enough water to compensate for the moisture loss.
Flowers placed in direct sunlight also lose their colors more quickly because UV radiation can damage the pigments in the petals. Therefore, it is best to find a cooler spot for the flowers, away from direct sunlight, where they will receive enough light without being exposed to harsh rays.
Many types of fruit, especially apples, bananas, pears, and tomatoes, naturally release ethylene, a plant hormone responsible for the ripening process. This gas can accelerate the aging of not only the fruit itself but also the flowers.
Ethylene causes flowers to wilt faster, lose color, and shed petals. Therefore, it is important to avoid placing vases with flowers near fruit. If you want your flowers to stay fresh as long as possible, keep them in a location away from sources of ethylene.
Flowers should be kept away from drafts and wind, as these conditions cause faster drying and wilting. Air movement around the flowers increases moisture loss from their leaves and petals, leading to quicker dehydration. Drafts can also destabilize flowers in a vase, especially those with longer or more delicate stems.
A dirty vase is one of the main factors that cause flowers to wilt quickly. When the water in the vase becomes contaminated with plant debris, it creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth. These bacteria can clog the vessels in the flower stems, preventing them from absorbing water properly. As a result, flowers do not receive enough moisture and start to wilt rapidly.
To keep flowers fresh for as long as possible, it is important to change the water regularly (ideally every day or every other day) and thoroughly clean the vase before placing new flowers in it. Using a clean vase free of bacterial residues helps extend the flowers' lifespan and keep them fresh.