All fresh flowers should be kept out of drafts, heat sources (such as direct sunlight), and air conditioners. Fresh flowers do not last as long in warm temperatures. To prolong the flowers life you can place the flowers in a cool location during the evening ( make sure it is above freezing!)

First fill the CLEAN container/vase you will be using with tepid to warm water (non-metallic containers, such as glass, are usually more free of contaminants). If you have cut flower food, mix it into the water following the instructions on the package. Remove all leaves from the stems that will be below the water-line in the container when placed in the water. (leaves in the water will create bacteria) Cut stems on an angle at least 2cm from the end of the stem with a sharp knife or flower cutters. You do not want to crush the stem with scissors since this will make it more difficult for the water to travel up the stem of the flower. Cutting stems under warm water and immediately placing them in clean warm water decreases the chances of air entering and blocking the stem. Garden flowers and tropicals should be placed in tepid water.

Fresh arrangements should be arranged in a floral foam (this acts as a preservative to prolong the life of the flowers). Add water daily to the container. It should always be full of water so that the foam never gets dry.

Green plants and flowering plants need sunlight. Even though some plants may appear to survive in low light conditions, over time the plant weakens . Too much sunlight can also be a problem. The majority of plants cannot live long in direct southern exposure. Eastern and western exposure works well for most plants. Plants also need correct amounts of H2O. Over watering and under watering also weaken a plant over time. Be sure your plants are not sitting in water for most roots will begin to rot if consistently saturated with water. Pay attention to your plants need for water at different times of the year. During periods of heat and lots of sunlight a plant needs more water. Cooler weather and cloudy days means less evaporated water and less use of the water in the soil. When the flowers on a blooming plant begin to die take them off so that the nutrition will go to the rest of the plant.