Fresh Water Daily

Still water becomes a breeding ground for bacteria within 24 hours. That bacterial buildup clogs the stem vessels and releases gases that accelerate wilting — even if the flowers look fine from the outside.

Changing the water daily (or every other day at minimum) dramatically slows this process. Each time you change the water, rinse the vase thoroughly before refilling — residue from the previous water can re-contaminate fresh water almost immediately.

Use cool, clean water. Room-temperature or slightly cool water flows up the stems more readily than very cold water for most flowers. Avoid soft water if possible, as the sodium used in water softeners can harm some blooms.

If you notice the water becoming cloudy or developing an odor, change it immediately — that's a sign of heavy bacterial activity.