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The first step in keeping those flowers fresh is creating a solution of plant food and water. Often, the store from which the flowers were bought will supply you with enough plant food for the life of the flower. However, if this is not the case, it can easily be purchased at any florist or garden center.
Plant food is important because it preserves your flowers for longer than water alone. Generally, you will want to use cool water, for the vase, unless your arrangement contains budded flowers that you want to bloom. If you want to hasten the blooming process, use warm tap or distilled water. Never use water from a water softener! The salt hinders water intake.
The next step is cutting the stems of the flowers. This is done to create maximum water absorption. Most florists recommend cutting the stem about a half inch from the bottom. This should be done placing the stems under running water, then placing the flowers directly into the prepared vase. Once you have arranged the flowers in a vase, check to make sure that none of the plant's leaves are under water, because this causes unwanted bacteria to grow.
Always store your flowers upright. Keep them out of direct sunlight at all times. You will want to change the water daily, as well as add a small amount of plant food. Some people cut the stems daily, as well, but this is not recommended for flowers with shorter stems. Removing old or wilted flowers promptly will keep the arrangement looking fresher and more beautiful.
Ethylene gas comes from sources like garbage, overly ripe fruit, and pollution. It is quite harmful to most flowers, and especially to roses, carnations, and freesia. If at all possible, keep your arrangement as far from potential ethylene gas as you can. This harmful vapor can cause unopened buds not to blossom, as well as premature wilting.
Always remember when caring for your precious flower arrangement to keep it from direct heat and light. Take out the wilted flowers as you see them, so as to prevent them from taking away from the beauty of the fresher flowers. Change the water daily and don't forget plant food!