Wash your intended container with a fresh solution of 90 percent water and 10 percent bleach to kill bacteria, which multiplies and clogs the flower stems' water-conducting tubes. The slant cut also eases stem insertion into florists' foam. Remove excess foliage, which exposed to the air increases water loss. Submerged leaves decay and hasten the decline of cut flowers by encouraging microbial growth. Place stems immediately in 100 to 110 F water for at least 20 minutes prior to arranging.
Warm water moves into the stem faster than cold water.
After warm-water placement, wrap the flowers with paper or plastic to prevent rapid air movement over them, reducing water loss. Use only fresh oasis or floral foam. Previously used material most likely will be bacteria-contaminated. Water high in fluorides or salts hastens cut flowers' death, so use filtered or distilled water if necessary. Add a flower preservative to the water.