It is common for our large flower arrangements to suck up all the water in a vase within the first day or two you have it at home. So we always advise to replenish the water frequently - every day if possible.

Flowers are also highly susceptible to bacteria that builds up as stems sit in the water. By changing the water in the vase every few days, it will help keep your flowers fresh longer (and avoid that smell that develops if you let them sit a long time).

How to do it?

Simply carefully tip the glass vase over a sink to let the water drain without disturbing the arrangement. Then re-fill the vase by gently pouring water in at the top of the flowers.

Why? The ends of the stem dry out and the cells die, making it difficult for the flowers to absorb water. By cutting the stems just before placing them in water again, you expose fresh tissue that can suck up the water much more efficiently.

Sometimes people think they should set their vase of flowers in a sunny windowsill since that is where a plant would be happiest. However, flowers are actually the opposite, too much sunlight and heat will dry them out. Instead, keep your flowers in a cool spot if you would like them to last as long as possible.

Ripening fruit gives off an odorless invisible gas called ethylene, that makes the flowers shed their petals!

After you throw out your last arrangement, be sure to wash the vase very thoroughly in hot soapy water or in your dishwasher.
Bacteria build up in dirty vases and do not go away just because the vase dries out. As soon as you add water again, the vase will once again be full of bacteria and your new bouquet will be subjected to the same bacteria that killed the last bouquet.