When people deliver flowers to the home, they probably want them to look about the same again tomorrow. In reality, flower quality can change within hours, even if the bouquet looked perfect at delivery. At Joaquim Florist, we typically explain to customers that flowers are living things and their condition depends on many factors beyond what you can see at first glance. Understanding the preservation of flower quality gives you an appreciation for why a bouquet lasts longer than others and for what florists do behind the scenes to keep those flowers looking beautiful.
The moment a flower is cut, it begins to age. The quality of cut flowers is determined by the flower type, preservation method, moisture, and the response of petals and leaves to temperature and water. Unlike artificial decor, fresh flowers respond quickly to their surroundings.
Why Flower Quality Changes So Quickly
When you cut flowers, they no longer get nourishment from the plant. Instead, they draw on stored moisture in the stem, petals, and blooms. This is why fresh water is so crucial for the vase life of cut flowers. Without it, flowers droop and wilt, colours fade, and mould can develop.
The natural drying process will be quickened under direct sunlight; however, areas like bathrooms, which are humid, can promote mould. Even setting a bouquet near appliances in your kitchen could shorten its life, as extreme temperatures (particularly heat) can shorten its lifespan. That’s why florists often recommend you keep flowers out of direct sunlight, in a cool, shaded spot.
The preservation process actually begins much before flower delivery. The florist examines each cut flower, conditions them in fresh water, and strips stems of foliage that might foul the vase.
How Florists Follow Flower Preservation
Professional flower preservation methods are applied to slow the natural decay. This is far from halting the ageing process altogether, but it should help keep your flowers alive longer and looking better.
Common flower preservation techniques include:
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Conditioning flowers in temperature-controlled environments
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Using clean vases and changing fresh water regularly
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Treating stems to reduce bacterial growth
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Selecting hardy flowers for longer-lasting arrangements
Florists also match preservation methods to the type of flower. Delicate flowers require gentler handling than hardy flowers, which naturally last longer.
Preserved Flowers vs Fresh Flowers
Preserved flowers offer a sophisticated alternative to fresh bouquets. They can last for months or even years, which offers long-lasting beauty thanks to exceptional preservation: they replace their natural moisture with glycerin and other elements such as silica gel. This enables preserved flowers to maintain their shape, colour, and softness for months or even years.
And they require little maintenance, unlike fresh flowers. There is no fresh water to be delivered, no need for cutting and snipping. You don't have to do anything other than keep it out of direct sunlight, dust, or high humidity. This makes them perfect for people who desire organised beauty in the home without needing to care for and maintain flowers regularly.
Many people love preserved flower arrangements for special occasions, including wedding flowers, bridal bouquets, and keepsake floral designs.
Caring for Flowers at Home
How you treat your flowers once they arrive home can also contribute to longevity. Simple maintenance regimens can go a long way in preserving your blooms.
Helpful tips and tricks include:
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Change water daily and remove wilted leaves or stems
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Snip the stems every couple of days
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No direct sunlight or heat
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Keep away from fruits, which give off ethylene gas.
Drying flowers with a hairdryer is inadvisable, as it can scorch petals and leaves. Instead, gentle air drying is safer if you are preserving your flowers on your own.
How Preservation Methods Vary by Flower Type
When it comes to preserving, no two types of flowers are the same. Roses, tulips, and lilies all have different water requirements and tolerances. Certain flowers are better at resisting wilting, whereas others shed their petals quickly when conditions aren’t right.
Florists consider:
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Vase life of cut flowers
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Sensitivity to humidity
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Petal thickness and structure
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Suitability for flower press or preservation techniques
This is why bouquets or individual flowers may behave differently even when placed side by side.
Fresh Flowers, Delivery, and Timing
When flowers are being delivered, it can be more significant than many people realise. Even a matter of hours can make a difference if flowers are exposed to heat or other setbacks, which is why florists are so careful about the delivery date and use packaging designed to protect blooms in transit. For Joaquim Florist, that means a real-time delivery notification system should be in place, so customers receive an instant alert when flowers arrive and can put them in fresh water right away.
This focus on timing ensures the flowers are not affected and enhances their natural beauty.
Preserved Flowers as a Long-Term Option
If you are looking for long-lasting beauty, preserved flowers or blooms may be an option. The branches and flowers are treated in a special preserving process so they remain soft and supple, with a beautiful appearance for a long time. They are perfect for any holiday, special event, or as a home decor keepsake.
Gorgeous preserved flowers to enjoy lovely arrangements without considering the shelf life or daily care. Preserved flowers need a little care: keep them in a stable environment and handle them gently, as they will start losing petals here and there.
Why Flowers Are Still Worth the Care
Flowers remain popular, despite their impermanence, because of the emotions they evoke. Fresh flowers represent moments in time, memories, and nature. Whether through extensive care or by selecting preserved varieties, preserving your flowers allows that experience to linger.
For us, flowers are not products but living designs. It doesn’t matter if you are using fresh or preserved flowers – learning how to maintain the quality of your flowers can help you keep them looking good and lasting longer so that they can be enjoyed for a long time.
Final Thoughts
Flowers' quality will always change over time, but that doesn’t diminish their beauty. It just serves to remind us that floral designs are living art. With knowledge of how to preserve them, the way they should be treated, and the care you provide, you can extend the time of your blooms, looking fresh.
Flowers are intended to be enjoyed, whether they last a week or many years. Preserved thoughtfully with appropriate care and preservation treatments, flowers endure as a beautiful, comforting presence in the homes and lives of people every day. Contact us for both fresh flowers and preserved floral arrangements.
