What tools do professional florists use?

Inside the Florist’s Toolkit: Must-Have Tools for Flower Enthusiasts

If you’ve ever admired a perfectly tied bouquet or a stunning vase arrangement and thought, “How do florists make it look so effortless?”, you’re not alone. At Petal&Post, we create a signature bouquet each week, delivered fresh across Cape Town, Durban, and Joburg, and trust us – there’s a whole lot of magic (and helpful tools!) behind that simplicity.

Whether you’re arranging flowers at home or wrapping a bouquet to give to a friend, this guide will walk you through the essential tools (and a few pro tricks) that florists swear by. And yes – you can totally do this in your kitchen.

In no particular order, let’s open the toolkit.

What Tools Do You Actually Need to Arrange Flowers Like a Florist?

1. Apron

While an apron might not seem like an obvious one – they’re actually quite essential to a florist’s work. They protect your clothes from water, soil, and stray petals, and their pockets keep essential tools close at hand. Plus, let’s be honest – having one would just make you feel like a pro.

 2. Florist Scissors

These non-negotiable florist scissors are designed to cut stems cleanly, helping flowers absorb water better and live longer. Clean cuts equal longer vase life. Look for high-quality materials like stainless steel, ergonomic handles, and blades that can make precise, clean cuts. Remember to clean the blades regularly to avoid bacteria build-up while making your bouquets.

Petal&Post Tip: Avoid kitchen scissors – they crush the stems and reduce hydration. As we said, clean cuts are key to happy, healthy flowers.

3. Stem Strippers (a.k.a Thorn Removers)

A must-have for any florist working with roses or lush greenery. Stem strippers make quick work of removing thorns and excess foliage without damaging the stem. Not only do they save your hands from scratches, but they also help keep the water clean and sparkling.

Petal&Post Tip: Always strip the bottom third of the stem before arranging your flowers in water. This prevents leaves from sitting below the waterline, which helps reduce bacteria and keeps your arrangement fresher for longer!

4. Flower food (a.k.a Posy Food) 

When it comes to keeping your flowers looking fresher for longer, flower food might just be the most powerful tool of all (mixed in with fresh water, that is). Flower food works behind the scenes to nourish stems and keep bacteria out of the water.

At Petal&Post, we include a complementary bottle of Posy Food with every bouquet we send. Want to DIY your own at home? Just mix:

• 1 tsp sugar
  
• 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar
  
• A few drops of bleach (yes, really – it keeps the water clear!)

What Tools Do Florists Use to Wrap Bouquets Beautifully?

How to wrap a bouquet like a florist:

A stunning bouquet isn’t complete without beautiful wrapping – and professional florists know just how to elevate the final look. Key wrapping and presentation tools include:

• Wax, or non-woven floral paper for structure 
• Pins to secure the arrangement neatly
• Ribbons, twine, or elastic bands to hold your posy together 

At Petal&Post, every posy is carefully wrapped in soft, non‑woven paper for a simple, elegant finish. Our Luxe range gets an extra touch of beauty with delicate lilac Korean paper that feels as special as it looks. We keep our wrapping understated yet refined – and kinder to the environment too.

Do You Need Every Tool?

Nope. If you’re just getting started with home arranging or styling our Weekly Posy, stick to these basics:

• Sharp florist scissors
• Flower food (courtesy of P&P)
• A vase 

Channel Your Inner Florist

Florists work with flowers daily, yes – but the real magic is in your creativity. Being a florist isn’t just about flowers – it’s about imagination. Take a little time to play, experiment, and enjoy the process. Whether you’re arranging a few stems for your kitchen or creating something show-stopping for a table, let your creativity lead the way. This allows you to express your own style, tell a story, and create a mood with every arrangement you make. There are no strict rules here – just have fun and let your ideas bloom. 

Want to practice with fresh blooms?

Order this week’s bouquet from Petal&Post and try out your toolkit!
We deliver across Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban – and we can’t wait to see your creations. 💛

Tag us @petalandpostsouthafrica with your flower styling skills -we might just feature your bouquet!