Flower Care Guide

At FlowerAdvisor Malaysia, every bouquet is crafted with care and delivered at peak freshness. With the right handling, you can enjoy your flowers longer. This guide covers how to care for different types of arrangements – from hand bouquets and bloom boxes to orchids, preserved flowers, and fruit & flower hampers.

---

General Fresh Flower Care Tips

Follow these essential steps for all bouquets and vase arrangements:

1. Unwrap & Prepare Your Flowers

• Remove all outer packaging such as plastic wraps, paper and nets.
• Use clean scissors or a knife to trim the stems at a 45° angle.
• Trim about 1–2 cm from the bottom of each stem to improve water absorption.

2. Use a Clean Vase & Fresh Water

• Wash the vase thoroughly before use.
• Fill with room-temperature water.
• Add the provided flower food if available and stir until dissolved.

3. Choose the Right Location

Place your flowers in a cool indoor area and keep them away from:

• Direct sunlight or harsh light
• Heat sources such as stoves, ovens or hot appliances
• Strong fans, air-conditioner vents or direct wind
• Ripening fruits, which release ethylene gas that speeds up wilting

4. Maintain Daily

• Change the water every 24–48 hours.
• Re-trim the stems slightly each time you change the water.
• Remove any wilted petals or leaves to prevent bacterial growth.

---

Flower Care by Flower Type

Roses

• Gently remove the outer “guard petals” if they look bruised or discoloured.
• Ensure the vase is filled with sufficient water – roses drink a lot.
• If rose heads start to droop, re-cut the stems and place them in warm water for about 30–60 minutes.

Lilies

• Some lilies arrive in bud form and will open over time – this is normal.
• Gently remove pollen from the stamens to avoid staining and to help the blooms last longer.
• Keep lilies in bright, indirect light and away from pets, especially cats.

Orchids

Cut Orchid Stems

• Place stems in a clean vase with cool water.
• Mist lightly once a day to maintain humidity.
• Keep in a cool room, away from strong airflow or direct sunlight.

Potted Orchids

• Water about once a week, or when the growing medium feels almost dry.
• Ensure good drainage – do not let the pot sit in standing water.
• Provide bright, indirect light and avoid direct midday sun.
• Avoid overwatering as orchids are prone to root rot.

Sunflowers

• Trim stems every 2 days as they can seal over quickly.
• Use a taller vase with deeper water to support the heavy flower heads.
• Check water level frequently – sunflowers are heavy drinkers.

Carnations

• Remove any leaves that will be below the waterline.
• Change the water daily; carnations are sensitive to bacteria.
• Keep away from fruits and direct heat sources.

---

Care for Box Flowers, Bloom Boxes & Gift Sets

Many of our bloom boxes and gift sets are arranged using floral foam (oasis) instead of a vase. Proper care helps the flowers stay fresh for as long as possible.

• Check the floral foam daily – it should feel slightly moist, not dry.
• Slowly pour a small amount of clean water directly onto the foam, avoiding overflow.
• Do not tilt, shake or press the box, as this can damage the stems.
• Keep the arrangement indoors in a cool, shaded place.

---

Care for Preserved & Dried Flowers

Preserved and dried flowers are designed to last much longer than fresh flowers, but they still require gentle handling.

• Do not water preserved or dried flowers.
• Keep them away from direct sunlight to prevent colour fading.
• Avoid high humidity areas such as bathrooms or near open windows during rain.
• Dust lightly using a soft brush or gentle air (e.g. a cool hair dryer on low setting).

---

Fruit & Flower Hampers

Some hampers combine fresh fruits with flowers. Proper separation and storage will help you enjoy both.

• Remove the fruits from the hamper and refrigerate them or store in a cool, dry place.
• If flowers are arranged in floral foam, lightly water the foam once a day.
• Keep the flower portion away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Avoid placing flowers too close to ripening fruits to minimise ethylene exposure.

---

Expected Flower Lifespan

With proper care, you can expect approximately the following lifespan for common flowers. Do note that Malaysia’s warm and humid climate may shorten these durations compared to cooler regions.

Flower Type	Approximate Lifespan (With Care)
Roses	5–7 days
Sunflowers	5–7 days
Lilies	7–10 days (blooms open gradually)
Carnations	7–14 days
Tulips	3–5 days (best kept cool)
Orchids (cut)	Up to 14 days
Preserved Flowers	1–3 years (no water, away from sun & humidity)

---

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Flowers Wilting Earlier Than Expected

• Check if the water is cloudy – if yes, change it immediately.
• Clean the vase thoroughly to remove any bacteria.
• Re-cut the stems at a 45° angle and remove any submerged leaves.
• Move the arrangement to a cooler, shaded area.

Drooping Rose Heads

• Re-cut the stems and place the roses in warm (not hot) water for 30–60 minutes.
• After that, move them back into a clean vase with fresh water.
• Ensure they are not placed under strong air-conditioning or direct sun.

Cloudy or Smelly Water

• Discard the water and wash the vase with mild soap.
• Rinse thoroughly before refilling with fresh water.
• Trim stems slightly to expose a fresh surface for water intake.

---

Why Flower Care Matters

Beautiful flowers are a meaningful gift for any occasion – birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations or just because. At FlowerAdvisor Malaysia, we want every bouquet and arrangement to bring joy for as long as possible. With just a little daily care, your flowers can stay fresh, vibrant and full of life, extending the happiness they bring to you or your loved ones.

If you have any questions about caring for a specific FlowerAdvisor arrangement, feel free to contact our customer support team. We are always happy to help you get the best experience from your flowers.