Fresh flowers always make people happy. They can brighten up a room, they smell delightful, and they're the perfect symbol for any special occasion. Caring for your cut flowers will be the difference between what looks like a lovely bouquet or a sad tangle of lifeless branches.

Flowers are living organisms, and as such, they need regular care and attention to stay fresh and healthy. According to Pearsons Florist, by following these five simple steps, you can prolong the life of your flowers and enjoy them all the way into another day.

1. Water Your Flowers

While it should be common sense, it's amazing how few people water their cut flowers once they get them home. If you want your flowers to last for more than a day or two, make sure you keep them hydrated by giving them plenty of cool water.

To keep the water from disturbing the arrangement, place the stems into small glass vases that fit inside larger ones. You can then fill the outer vase with cold water and ice cubes to keep the cold water in place while allowing your flowers to absorb what they need.

2. Cut the Stems

It's important to remember that flowers are alive. They need to breathe to stay fresh. When you trim the stems of your flowers, you allow the stems they attach to open up so they can breathe. Trimming is also necessary for the flowers to absorb the food they need for healthy growth.

Remember not to cut more than about a quarter of the stem at a time, especially with larger flowers or roses with multiple stems coming out of one main stem. If you do, the flower may wilt and fall over because it has lost its support structure.

3. Store Your Cut Flowers Properly

If you're planning to display your flowers and then take them out later for a repotting, you'll want to store them in clear plastic or glass containers. Both the plastic and the glass will protect your cut flowers from all kinds of light and dust, which can quickly contaminate them and cause colors to fade or wilt.

Once they've been arranged in their container, check it frequently for signs of damage. If damaged leaves or stems are exposed, these should be removed so that water can reach the stem's roots and keep it healthy.

4. Take Care When Handling

When you are moving your flowers around, be careful not to cause any damage. Make sure that you don't crush or bruise the stems. You might also want to wear gloves for this part, as the Staphylococcus epidermis bacteria can live on your fingertips and transfer quickly to your flowers.

If you're going to arrange your flowers in a vase indoors, check them every few hours for signs of moisture so that they don't risk drowning in their water supply.

5. Keep Them Away From Smoke

If you're enjoying a cigar or cigarette, try to let your flowers be as far away as possible. Not only can smoke damage the delicate petals and leaves, but the lingering smell isn't very pleasant. Consider moving your flowers into a separate room or even outside if they're close enough to your smoking area.

Cut flowers are great for any occasion. They are beautiful, can make a room smell good, and of course make your room look magnificent too. Once you get them home, you need to keep them healthy by following these steps.

If you follow these steps and care for your flowers properly, they can last for extended periods and beyond one special occasion. And, if you plan to display them, you'll enjoy the beauty of your arrangement for longer.