Flower & Gift Care Guide

For a fresh flower bouquet, remove protective wrapping around the stems while keeping any decorative presentation you want to display. Re-cut 1–2 cm from each stem at a 45-degree angle with a clean, sharp tool.

• Use a clean vase filled with fresh room-temperature water.
• Remove leaves that would sit below the waterline.
• Add flower food if supplied, following the packet directions.
• Change water every 24–48 hours and re-trim the stems slightly.
• Keep the bouquet in a cool indoor spot away from direct sun, heat, strong fans and ripening fruit.

Vase arrangements arrive ready to display. Place the vase on a stable surface in a cool room and check the water level daily.

• Top up with fresh room-temperature water whenever the level drops.
• For longer-lasting freshness, change the water every 24–48 hours where practical.
• Remove fading leaves or petals and any foliage below the waterline.
• If you remove stems for cleaning, re-trim the ends before returning them to the vase.
• Keep the arrangement away from direct sunlight, appliances that give off heat and strong air-conditioning vents.

Most bloom boxes use floral foam to hold flowers in place and supply moisture. Keep the arrangement level and handle the box gently.

• Check the foam daily by touching an accessible area carefully.
• If it begins to feel dry, slowly add a small amount of clean water directly onto the foam.
• Avoid overfilling, splashing petals or allowing water to collect around the box.
• Do not pull stems out and reinsert them, as this can create air gaps in the foam.
• Display indoors in a cool, shaded place.

Fresh flower baskets are commonly arranged in a foam base hidden inside the basket. Treat the container as a fixed arrangement rather than transferring the stems to a vase.

• Check the floral foam each day and add small amounts of clean water if it is drying.
• Pour slowly so water reaches the foam without overflowing into the basket.
• Keep the basket upright and avoid moving individual stems unnecessarily.
• Remove wilted blooms carefully to keep the arrangement neat.
• Place it away from direct sunlight and warm surfaces.

Large opening and congratulations stands are built for display and may use floral foam or water-filled mechanics depending on the design.

• Keep the stand upright on a stable, sheltered surface.
• Avoid direct afternoon sun, hot entrances and strong wind where possible.
• If floral foam is accessible, add clean water slowly without soaking ribbons, cards or the stand frame.
• Do not dismantle or reposition stems unless necessary.
• For venue-specific care or unusually long display periods, contact FlowerAdvisor for guidance on the exact arrangement.

Funeral and condolence flowers may be arranged as wreaths, stands, baskets or foam-based displays. Keep the design intact and handle it gently.

• Place the arrangement in the coolest practical location away from direct sun.
• If floral foam is accessible, add small amounts of clean water when it starts to dry.
• Keep wreaths and stands securely supported to prevent bending or falling.
• Remove visibly wilted petals carefully without disturbing neighbouring stems.
• Avoid spraying decorative paper, ribbons, cards or electrical items with water.

Potted orchids prefer bright, indirect light and a growing medium that is allowed to approach dryness between waterings.

• Check the potting medium rather than watering on a fixed daily schedule.
• Water thoroughly when the medium is nearly dry, then let excess water drain away.
• Do not leave the pot sitting in standing water.
• Keep the plant away from harsh midday sun and strong air-conditioning drafts.
• Avoid repeatedly wetting flowers and the crown, which can encourage spotting or rot.

Care for potted plants depends on the variety, but drainage and appropriate light matter for almost every plant.

• Check the soil before watering instead of watering automatically each day.
• For succulents, allow the soil to dry more fully between waterings.
• Ensure excess water can drain and empty decorative saucers or covers if water collects.
• Give the plant bright light suited to the variety, avoiding sudden exposure to harsh midday sun.
• Keep away from hot appliances and constant cold air from vents.

Preserved and dried flowers are designed for long-term display. Water and humidity can damage their texture, shape and colour.

• Do not water or mist preserved or dried flowers.
• Keep them away from direct sunlight to reduce fading.
• Avoid bathrooms, steamy rooms and damp windowsills.
• Dust gently with a soft brush or cool air on a low setting from a safe distance.
• Handle petals and stems as little as possible because dried materials can be brittle.

Fruit-and-flower hampers combine items with different storage needs. Separate edible items once the gift has been presented so each component can be stored correctly.

• Refrigerate fruit that requires chilling and follow any storage guidance on packaged foods.
• Keep ripening fruit away from fresh flowers because ethylene can speed up wilting.
• If flowers are arranged in foam, keep the foam lightly moist without wetting food packaging.
• Store unopened dry goods in a cool, dry place away from direct sun.
• Check product labels, expiry dates and allergen information before serving.

For gift hampers, keep edible products sealed until use and follow the storage instructions printed on each item.

• Store chocolates in a cool, dry location away from sunlight and heat.
• Avoid unnecessary refrigeration unless the product label recommends it, as condensation can affect chocolate texture.
• Keep biscuits, snacks and dry goods sealed to protect them from humidity.
• Check best-before dates and allergen information before serving.
• If the hamper includes fresh flowers, care for those separately according to their container type.

Cakes and desserts are perishable and should be stored according to their packaging or bakery instructions as soon as possible after delivery.

• Keep the box level during handling and storage.
• Refrigerate cakes that require chilling, especially those with fresh cream or other temperature-sensitive fillings.
• Keep the cake covered to prevent odours and moisture loss.
• Follow any serving-temperature guidance on the label or packaging.
• Check allergen information and consume within the recommended period.

Balloon bouquets last best indoors at a stable room temperature. Heat, sharp surfaces and rough handling can shorten their display life.

• Keep balloons away from direct sunlight, hot car interiors and heaters.
• Avoid rough walls, ceiling fans, sharp furniture edges and outdoor wind.
• Secure balloon strings so helium balloons cannot drift away.
• Expect helium balloons to lose lift gradually over time; the rate varies by balloon material and environment.
• Keep balloons away from very young children and pets unless supervised.