Flower Care Made Simple: Tips from Your Favorite Florist in Charleston SC & Mount Pleasant SC

There’s nothing quite like bringing home a fresh flower arrangement or a beautiful potted plant. Whether it’s a bright bouquet from a celebration or event, a sweet gift from a friend, or something you picked up just because (which we fully support), fresh flowers instantly bring life and beauty into your home.

At Branch Flower Shop, we love seeing how much joy flowers bring into people’s everyday lives. And the best part? You don’t need to be a floral expert to enjoy your blooms a little longer. A few simple care tips can go a long way to keep your flowers and plants looking their best.

Here’s our easy, practical care guide—straight from your favorite Charleston SC flower shop and Mount Pleasant SC flower shop—to help you get the most out of your blooms, whether you picked them up in person or received them through same day flower delivery.

Caring for Fresh-Cut Flowers

We always say that fresh flowers aren’t meant to last forever (that’s part of their magic), but with a little care, you can enjoy them longer than you might expect. Whether you ordered through our same day flower delivery service or stopped by our florist in Charleston SC or florist in Mount Pleasant SC, these tips work beautifully for almost any bouquet.

Change the Water Regularly

If you do just one thing to extend the life of your flowers: change the water every few days. This simple habit helps prevent bacteria from building up in the vase, which can cause flowers to wilt more quickly. Every two to three days, pour out the old water, give the vase a quick rinse, and refill it with fresh, cool water.

While you’re at it, take a peek at the stems. If you notice any that are looking a little soft or slimy, go ahead and trim about an inch off the bottom at a slight angle. This gives the flowers a fresh surface to absorb water and keeps them perky for a few more days.

Keep Flowers Out of Direct Sunlight

Even though plants love the sun, cut flowers actually prefer cooler spots with indirect light. Avoid placing your vase in direct sunlight, near heat sources, or in drafty areas. A cool kitchen counter or coffee table usually works perfectly.

Remove Wilting Blossoms and Stems

As individual blooms begin to fade, it’s okay to remove them from the arrangement. This helps prevent them from affecting the rest of your bouquet and keeps everything looking fresh and full.

A Little Extra Care Goes a Long Way

Many of our customers at our Mount Pleasant SC flower shop ask if they should use flower food. Adding a packet of flower food to your bouquet from your floral pickup or flower delivery can help nourish the flowers and fight bacteria. However, regular water changes will still work wonders if you prefer not to use flower food.

Simple Care for Potted Plants

Potted plants are another wonderful option if you’re looking for something long-lasting and easy to care for. We always have a beautiful selection of potted plants available at our Charleston SC flower shop that make the perfect gifts, home décor, or a thoughtful flower delivery surprise.

Don’t Overwater

The most common issue with houseplants? Too much water. Most plants prefer to dry out a bit between waterings. Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, wait a bit longer. Always check that your pot has proper drainage to avoid root rot.

Keep the Leaves Clean

Over time, dust can settle on your plant’s leaves, blocking the light they need to grow. Every now and then, gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to keep them shiny and healthy.

Pay Attention to Light

Different plants have different light needs, so be sure to place them accordingly. Many indoor plants do well in bright, indirect light. If you’re not sure what your specific plant needs, feel free to ask when you visit our florist in Mount Pleasant, SC, or even give us a call after your flower delivery arrives—we're always happy to help.

Special Care for Potted Orchids

Now let’s talk about one of the most elegant plants around: the orchid. Orchids are known for their long-lasting blooms and beautiful arching stems, and they’re surprisingly easy to care for with just a few simple tricks.

The Orchid Ice Cube Trick

One of the easiest ways to water orchids is with ice cubes. Simply place one or two ice cubes on top of the soil (or potting medium) about once a week. The slow melt allows the plant to absorb moisture gradually, preventing overwatering—a common mistake with orchids.

A Family Secret for Keeping Orchids Blooming

Here at Branch Flower Shop, we’ve picked up a few fun tricks over the years. In fact, our owners’ dad has a bit of a green thumb when it comes to orchids. His secret? He waters his orchid using water from his indoor fish tank. That nutrient-rich aquarium water gives the orchid an extra little boost, helping it continue blooming beautifully time and time again. Of course, your orchid will do just fine with plain water, too, but we love sharing a fun family tip when possible.

Whether you’re picking up an orchid from our florist in Charleston SC, ordering one through same day flower delivery, or browsing our Mount Pleasant SC flower shop, don’t be intimidated. With a light hand and just the right amount of water, they’ll thrive.

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Same Day Flower Delivery Makes It Easy

Sometimes you want to send flowers last-minute — whether it’s for a birthday, a sweet surprise, or a simple “thinking of you.” That’s where our same day flower delivery service makes all the difference. From Charleston to Mount Pleasant, our team works hard to hand-deliver beautiful arrangements right to your doorstep, quickly and with care.

No need to search endlessly for a florist near me—whether you order online or visit our shop, we’re here and ready to help with same day flower delivery options throughout the Lowcountry.

Neighborhood of the Month Perks

We love our local neighborhoods, and every month we highlight one as part of our Neighborhood of the Month program. For June 2025, we’re celebrating Snee Farm. If you live in or are sending a flower delivery to or from Snee Farm, you’ll enjoy free delivery on all orders throughout June. Standard delivery windows apply, but your delivery fee is completely on us.

Coming up in July 2025, our “Neighborhood of the Month” will be Dunes West. Just like Snee Farm, all flower delivery orders going to or from Dunes West will receive free delivery all month long. It’s our little way of saying thank you to the communities that support our florist in Charleston SC and our florist in Mount Pleasant SC, every single day.

Flowers and Plants Are Meant to Be Enjoyed

At the end of the day, flowers and plants are meant to bring joy, not stress. With just a few small habits—fresh water, the right amount of light, and occasional attention—you’ll be able to enjoy your blooms and plants for as long as nature allows.

Whether you’re searching online for a florist near me, ordering through our convenient flower delivery service, or visiting us in person at our Mount Pleasant SC flower shop, the team at Branch Flower Shop is always here to help. We love sharing our favorite care tips and helping you pick the perfect flowers for any occasion.

Shop with Us at Branch Flower Shop

Our team of floral designers here at our Charleston SC flower shop specializes in beautifully designed floral arrangements and gifts that are thoughtfully curated with local Lowcountry flair. Stop by our shop today, call us at 843-847-7996, or order online now. We can’t wait to brighten your day with flower arrangements, boutique gifts, and treats from Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and other local artisans. Contact us today!