Ethylene-producing compounds such as ripened bananas, apples, pineapples and citrus spell death for cut flowers. Open gas burners are another high-generating ethylene factor and must be avoided. You have to walk a fine line with flowering plants, giving them enough light so leaves continue to function but not so much sunlight that the heat ages the blossoms rapidly. A bright window in a cool room is ideal. Most flowering plants must be watered frequently whenever the soil surface feels slightly dry to the touch.
Petals are almost always thinner than foliage, and they wilt more readily when moisture stressed.
Cut a hole in any foil or plastic decorative pot covering so water can drain through and be discarded. Unless your plant blooms for a month or more, you needn't worry about fertilizing it. Always remember to pinch off faded flowers before they go to seed. All plants will look better, and a few might send out more blooms. Watch for a speckled or mottled yellowish discoloration on the leaves, especially the undersides where they feed.