Leafy tropicals
Monstera, ficus and philodendron like bright, indirect light and water only when the top 3 cm of soil is dry. Wipe leaves monthly so they can breathe.
Flower care guide
Most flowers can last twice as long. Here's how.
Our florists condition every stem before it leaves the studio. What you do in the first hour — and every second day after — decides the rest. This guide covers cut flowers, specific varieties and house plants.
The first hour
A four-step ritual for every bouquet
10–5 min
Unwrap and rest
Remove the paper and water pouch over a sink. Let the bouquet rest in a jug of cool water while you prepare the vase.
25–10 min
Clean the vase
Wash the vase with hot, soapy water. Bacteria from old flowers are the biggest reason new ones fade early.
310–20 min
Recut every stem
With a sharp knife or clean secateurs, cut 2 cm off at a 45° angle. Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline.
420–25 min
Feed and place
Fill two-thirds with cool water, stir in the flower food, and place away from radiators, direct sun, draughts and fruit bowls.
Flower by flower
Specific care for the stems we use most
Open any flower for its water level, cutting tip and expected vase life.
Peony5–7 days
- Water
- Deep, cool
- Cut
- Straight cut, 2 cm
- Vase life
- 5–7 days
Florist's tip: Buy in bud. If a bud won't open, run a thumb gently around it to remove the natural sugar coating.
Garden rose6–9 days
- Water
- Deep, cool
- Cut
- 45° angle, 2–3 cm
- Vase life
- 6–9 days
Florist's tip: Remove the outer 'guard petals' only if bruised — they protect the bloom in transit.
Hydrangea5–8 days
- Water
- Very deep
- Cut
- Angle, then split 2 cm
- Vase life
- 5–8 days
Florist's tip: If the head wilts, submerge it fully in cool water for 30 minutes. It will recover.
Calla lily10–14 days
- Water
- Shallow, 5 cm
- Cut
- Straight cut
- Vase life
- 10–14 days
Florist's tip: Stems keep growing towards light; turn the vase daily for straight lines.
Chrysanthemum14–21 days
- Water
- Medium
- Cut
- Angle, 3 cm
- Vase life
- 14–21 days
Florist's tip: Strip all foliage below water — chrysanthemum leaves foul water faster than any other flower.
Anemone6–9 days
- Water
- Shallow, 5 cm
- Cut
- Straight cut
- Vase life
- 6–9 days
Florist's tip: They keep growing in the vase and open wide in warm rooms. Keep them cool overnight for longer life.
Troubleshooting
What your flowers are telling you
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Drooping rose heads | Air bubble in the stem | Recut under water and stand in deep cool water for two hours. |
| Cloudy water | Bacteria from leaves below the waterline | Empty, wash the vase, strip leaves, refill with food. |
| Brown petal edges | Heat or direct sun | Move away from windows and radiators; remove damaged petals. |
| Buds not opening | Too cool, or cut too early | Give them a warmer room for a day and fresh lukewarm water. |
| Yellowing leaves | Ethylene from fruit or ageing flowers | Move the fruit bowl, remove any spent blooms. |
House plants
Living gifts, looked after
Succulents & cacti
Give them your sunniest windowsill and water deeply but rarely — about every two to three weeks in summer and monthly in winter.
The Bloom Letter
One letter a month, timed to what is blooming.
Seasonal arrivals, care notes and first access to limited studio collections. No clutter — unsubscribe from any letter in one click.
Still have a question about your flowers?
Send a photo to the studio and a florist will reply with advice — usually the same day.
Ask a florist