Remove Foliage Below the Waterline

This is one of the most commonly overlooked steps — and one of the most impactful. Any leaves, stems, or organic matter sitting below the waterline will begin to decompose almost immediately. That decomposition releases bacteria directly into the water your flowers are drinking.

Before placing your arrangement in a vase, strip all foliage from the lower third of each stem. Only bare stem should be submerged. This simple step can meaningfully extend the life of your arrangement.

As you re-cut stems over the following days, check again for any leaves that have slipped below the waterline. Remove them promptly.

Note that this applies to leaves only — not the stems themselves. The stems need to be submerged to absorb water. It's just the leaf tissue that causes problems.