Guide to the Water Needs of Different Varieties of Cut Flowers

When caring for cut flowers, water is the single most important factor in extending vase life. Different species have different hydration needs, influenced by stem structure, sap content, and flower type. Below is a breakdown of how much water and care various popular cut flowers require.

General Tips for All Cut Flowers

• Fresh Cut: Trim stems at a 45° angle before placing in water to increase surface area and prevent stems from sitting flat at the vase bottom.

• Change Water Frequently: Replace water every 2–3 days.

• Clean Vases: Use a clean vase to reduce bacterial growth.

• Flower Food: A floral preservative helps balance pH, provide nutrients, and reduce bacteria.

Flower-by-Flower Water Needs

Roses

• Water Needs: High – keep stems in deep, fresh water.

• Tip: Remove lower leaves to prevent bacterial rot. Roses can be prone to “bent neck”; re-cut stems under water to restore hydration.

Tulips

• Water Needs: Moderate to High – stems drink a lot but dislike standing in deep water.

• Tip: Use just enough water to cover the bottom 5–8 cm of the stems; tulips continue to grow in the vase, so keep stems upright in tall vessels.

Sunflowers

• Water Needs: Very High – large, thirsty stems.

• Tip: Replace water daily; stems are prone to bacterial buildup, so scrub vase often.

Daisies (Gerberas, Marguerite, etc.)

• Water Needs: Moderate – stems are prone to rot.

• Tip: Keep water shallow (about 2–3 cm deep) and change daily. Use floral straws or supports if stems droop.

Lilies

• Water Needs: Moderate to High.

• Tip: Remove stamens to prolong bloom life and reduce mess. Keep water level medium; too much can cause stem rot.

Hydrangeas

• Water Needs: Extremely High – among the thirstiest cut flowers.

• Tip: Submerge heads in cool water for 30 minutes if they wilt. Mist petals regularly. Always keep stems in deep water.

Orchids (Cut Cymbidium, Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium)

• Water Needs: Low to Moderate.

• Tip: Orchids last longest with minimal water – about 2–5 cm in vase. Keep in a cool place away from direct sun.

Chrysanthemums

• Water Needs: Moderate to High.

• Tip: Long-lasting if kept in clean, deep water. Remove all leaves below water line.

Carnations

• Water Needs: Moderate.

• Tip: Keep in medium-depth water. They are hardy but sensitive to ethylene gas (avoid storing near fruit).

Delphiniums & Larkspur

• Water Needs: High.

• Tip: These tall, hollow-stemmed flowers drink heavily – keep in deep water. Re-cut stems often to prevent blockages.

Peonies

• Water Needs: Moderate to High.

• Tip: Keep in fresh, medium-depth water. Change water daily as peonies shed pollen and petals quickly.

Gladiolus

• Water Needs: High.

• Tip: Place in deep water; buds will open sequentially, so remove spent blooms to extend vase life.

Zinnias

• Water Needs: Moderate.

• Tip: Zinnias are prone to bacterial stem blockages – recut stems often and keep water shallow.

Quick Reference List

• Roses: Deep water; re-cut stems under water to prevent bent neck.

• Tulips: Shallow to medium water; keep upright, they continue growing in vase.

• Sunflowers: Deep water; change daily to avoid bacterial buildup.

• Daisies/Gerberas: Shallow water; stems prone to rot, change daily.

• Lilies: Medium water; remove stamens, avoid overfilling.

• Hydrangeas: Deep water and mist; submerge heads if wilted.

• Orchids: Shallow water; cool conditions prolong life.

• Chrysanthemums: Deep water; remove leaves below water line.

• Carnations: Medium water; avoid ethylene gas exposure.

• Delphiniums/Larkspur: Deep water; hollow stems, re-cut often.

• Peonies: Medium water; change daily, petals shed quickly.

• Gladiolus: Deep water; remove spent blooms as they fade.

• Zinnias: Shallow water; recut often to prevent bacterial blockages.