Normally a bouquet or flower arrangement last 4-5 days, depending on the weather conditions, variety of flowers and the care they received. A little care can make a big difference for any kind of floral arrangement and extend their life.  Simple neglect can ruin your flowers faster than you would think possible. Here are some simple tips.

1. Keep at Cool and Dry Place - Keep your flowers in a cool place(65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents,  ceiling fans, and the tops of televisions or radiators. They can cause flowers to dehydrate.

2. Add Fresh Water Every Day - In summer water is taken up at a surprisingly high rate, so it is necessary to top up the vase or dampen the floral foam every day . Use drinking water or rainwater. If the water in vase becomes cloudy, replace it entirely with fresh water. If possible, re-cut stems by one or two inches with a sharp knife, immediately place the stems into water.

3. Mist Occasionally- Apply a mist-like spray above and around the arrangement once and twice in summer. Do not spray close to delicate petals which may be damaged by water droplets.

4. Remove unneeded Twigs and Dead Heads - The vase-life of one flower may be quite different from another species. Remove dead blooms and branches promptly so that the display can continue to look attractive for many more days.

5. Keep Away from Fruit  - Do not place your arrangement close to a bowl of fruit. Apples, pears etc emit ethylene – a gas which accelerates the ripening of flowers.

Tips for Conditioning the loose flowers & Foliage:
As materials used for flower arrangement are primarily natural plants, whether you purchase from florist or cut from garden ,they need to absorb water or the flower arrangement will be ruined as the material will die. Here are a of few commonest techniques:

1. When selecting flowers- Look for flowers with upright, firm petals and buds beginning to open. Yellow, spotted  or drooping leaves are signs of age.

2. Cutting Stems  Under Water - The rules are same , whether you are dealing  with garden flowers or blooms from a florist. Cut the end of the branch two or three times under water. This prevents any air from entering the vital ducts and prevents bacteria from entering and contaminating the cut ends .

3. Crushing the End of the stem – It is especially used for material with hard stems such as chrysanthemum and hydrangea.

4. Soaking in Very Deep Water - Unnecessary leaves or dead ones should be trimmed off as soon as the branches are cut, wrap the  heads and upper stems in news paper and put them in bucket of deep water to allow them to have good long drink (6 ~8 hours).
Before arranging in a vase remove all foliage which will be below water line.

5. Use of Boiling Water -  Cut ends may be burnt or dipped in boiling water. It increases the absorption of water. Burning the stem end carbonizes the end and makes for better absorption. This method is often used with shrubs tree branches, Roses, Chinese bellflower, poinsettia, hydrangea, peony etc.

6. The Ends of Big Branches are split four or more times to enlarge the suction surlace.

7. Rubbing in Salt -  Mash cut end of branch and rub in salt to irritate or stimule the ability of cut flower to absorb water.

8. Using Chemicals -  This method is also use to stimulate the ability to absorb water. Mash cut ends and then rub in alum. This method is often applied to dahlia, wisteria , poppy and peony etc.

9. Dipping in Alcohol  - Alcohol is most commonly used for gerbera, poppy, maple branch, Aster savatieri, Kerria, narcissi,  gypsophlia bind weed etc.

10. Use of Water Pump – Water should be forced very slowly into these materials with hollow stems such as : calla lily, lotus, water lily etc.

Use of Flower Food
If flower food is available with florist, mix in water and make a solution of it as per  instructions written on packet.