Different types of flowers require different types of care but for any flower, the sooner it is put into water the longer it will last. Flowers that are wrapped in wet newspaper or polythene will keep them fresh on the journey home. The flowers should be re-cut at the stems and placed in water overnight as soon as you arrive home. All flowers should have stipped off the stems, which should then be re-cut under water. This is important for hollow-stemmed plants so it will prevent an airlock from forming in the stem which may prevent the flower from taking water. These stems should be cut at an angle, which will create a wider exposed area and allow the flower to take in the maximum amount of water. Most flowers will last longer if sugar is added to the water, ie 1 teaspoon (5ml) of sugar to 1 pint (600ml) of water.
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