Baby's Breath, known botanically as Gypsophila, is one of the most versatile and beloved filler flowers in the floral world. Those delicate little white or blush clouds of tiny blooms add an airy, romantic touch to any arrangement. Whether used as a filler, on its own in a simple vase, or dried for long-lasting decor, Baby's Breath is a classic for good reason.

Like all of our flowers, Baby's Breath is not ready to display the moment it arrives. The tiny blooms need a little time to open and fluff up after their journey. Get them into fresh water right away and give them a few hours to settle in.

What You'll Need

• A clean vase
• Fresh, cool water
• Floral preservative (recommended)
• Sharp scissors or floral shears

Step-by-Step Care Instructions

1. Unpack promptly. Remove your Baby's Breath from the packaging as soon as it arrives and let it breathe.
2. Trim the stems. Cut 1 to 2 inches off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle to improve water uptake.
3. Fill your vase. Use clean, cool water with floral preservative. Baby's Breath benefits from the nutrients in preservative to keep the tiny blooms looking fresh and white.
4. Remove lower foliage. Strip any leaves or stems that would sit below the waterline to keep the water clean.
5. Fluff the bunches. Carefully pull the individual stems apart gently to separate and fluff out the branches. This opens up the bunch and gives it that full, airy, cloud-like look. Don't be alarmed if a few tiny blooms fall off during this process. That is completely normal and always happens with Baby's Breath. There are so many blooms on each stem that it won't affect the overall look at all.
6. Change the water every 2 days. Re-trim the stems each time to keep them drinking well.
7. Keep in a cool, bright spot. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources for the longest vase life.

Pro Tips

• It dries beautifully: Baby's Breath is one of the easiest flowers to dry. Simply hang it upside down in a cool, dry spot or leave it in a vase with a little water and let it dry naturally. It holds its shape and color for months.
• A note on scent: When used in large quantities, Baby's Breath can have a noticeable scent that some people find strong. If you're using a lot of it for an event or installation, you can mask it with a light fragrance spray or mist the area with a scent eliminator to keep things fresh.
• Tinted varieties: If you ordered tinted or colored Baby's Breath, keep in mind that the dye may cause the vase water to change color rather than staying clear. This is completely normal and not a sign of any problem. Simply change the water more frequently to keep things fresh, and be careful as the dye can also transfer to other surfaces when wet.

Florist Secret

Baby's Breath can sometimes arrive looking a little flat or compressed from packaging. To help it fluff back up, give the stems a fresh trim, place them in water, and then carefully pull the stems apart to separate and open up the bunch. Gently fan out the branches with your fingers to reshape them. Some tiny blooms may fall off as you do this and that is completely normal. It always happens! There are so many blooms per stem that you'll never notice, and the result is a beautifully full, cloud-like bunch that looks like it came straight from a florist.

How Long Will They Last?

With proper care, fresh Baby's Breath typically lasts 5 to 7 days in a vase. Once dried, it can last for months as a beautiful, long-lasting accent in wreaths, arrangements, and home decor.