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.
humidity,
preservatives and cooling. Flowers last longer if they are
not cut in the heat of the day. 
