• The quality and vase life of cut flowers depends on fertilizer, insect damage, soil conditions, light, water and time of harvest, temperature, humidity, preservatives and cooling. Flowers last longer if they are not cut in the heat of the day.
  
  
• Flowers wither if stems are unable to absorb water due to blockages or if there is excessive water loss from the cut flower due to shortage in hot conditions and without water.
  
  
• A short supply of carbohydrates due to low light during growth causes flowers to die faster.
  
  
• Diseases reduce vases life indirectly.
  
  
• Ethylene gas from old plant tissue or fruits has a retarding effect.
  
  
• Flower stems should be cut with a sharp knife or shears to prevent crushing of stem and water conduction cells.
  
  
• If vases are placed in extremely cold conditions flowers to not last long.
  
  
  
  To extend the life of flowers in vases:
  
  
• Providing table sugar to supply carbohydrate requirement.
  
  
• Supplying a bactericide like bleach, deodorizers or detergents to prevent microbial growth and blockage of the water conductive cells in the stem.
  
  
• Acidifying the solution.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

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