Cut flowers early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler
Use clean, sharp scissors or a knife to make a fresh angled cut
Remove leaves that would fall below the waterline
Change the water every 1–3 days
Re-cut stems each time you change the water (about 0.5–1 cm)
Use flower food in the water when available
Keep stems in fresh, cool water and avoid letting them sit dry
Place flowers in a cool location away from direct sunlight, heat vents, and drafts
Keep flowers away from fruit and ripening produce
Mist petals lightly if flowers tolerate misting; avoid soaking delicate blooms
For longer vase life, use a clean vase and remove cloudy water
For fragile stems, support or re-align stems to prevent bending
To preserve by drying, hang flowers upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated area
For drying, use silica gel for delicate flowers; bury blooms in gel and seal in an airtight container
Press flowers between parchment or paper using heavy books or a flower press
Replace drying papers periodically when pressing to reduce moisture
To preserve in resin, press or dry flowers first, then embed in clear resin according to product instructions
To preserve in glycerin, cut stems and submerge in a glycerin-water mix (per product guidance) until fully absorbed
To preserve as a wreath or arrangement, dry flowers thoroughly before assembling to prevent mold
Store dried flowers in airtight containers away from humidity and light
Avoid handling dried flowers excessively to prevent breakage
If flowers are already wilting, re-cut stems and refresh water promptly before preservation methods