Other flowers, such as orchids must be fully developed before being cut. Damaged and diseased flowers must be immediately discarded as they produce ethylene and spread decay, ruining healthy flowers. Foliage in water will decay, causing damage to the flowers. The sugar replaces the flowers' stored foods consumed by respiration, while biocides limit bacteria which plug up flower stems. Acidifiers aid in the uptake of water by reducing the pH to 3.5-4.5.
Deionized water is recommended.
Flouride found in most tap water will damage gladioi and gerbera. The solutions can either double or triple the shelf life of many flowers. Some florist greens, which have a longer shelf life to begin with, also benefit from floral preservative. These include boxwood, leatherleaf fern, camellia, eucalyptus, ivy, scotch broom, and podocarpus. In addition to floral preservative solution, special solutions are used by growers, wholesalers, or retailers to achieve beneficial effects.