To keep your flowers and plants looking beautiful for longer, make sure they are not placed near radiators, televisions or any other device which gives off heat, and follow the advice below.

Bouquets On receipt of your bouquet, the flowers should be carefully removed from all packaging. Cut 2.5cm (1in) off all flower and foliage stems at an angle with a sharp pair of scissors or a knife. This ensures the stems are able to take up the water. If you cut them straight, the stems sit flat on the bottom of the vase, do not take up the water and die quicker. Remove all foliage which will be below the water line. This will help to keep the water cleaner. Regularly check the vase to make sure there is enough water in the vase.

Roses Prepare the roses as above. If they start to droop, re-cut the stem at an angle, wrap the head of the rose tightly in paper to keep it upright, and plunge the cut stem into 5 cm (2in) of boiling water for 1 minute. Then plunge into deep cold water.

Hand Tied Bouquets There is no need to untie these bouquets. If the bouquet is delivered with water, pierce cellophane over sink and allow to drain. Place the flowers with the cellophane into a suitable vase of tepid water with the sachet of flower food added.

Baskets & Arrangements Flowers arranged in foam dry out quickly, should therefore be watered daily. Place a protective mat under the arrangement to avoid damage from water. It may be easier to water the arrangement over the sink and allow to dry before replacing in its original position. If the atmosphere in the room is dry, a light misting with a water spray would be beneficial for the flowers. As the flowers in the arrangement die, remove them with a pair of scissors or a knife to make the arrangement last longer.

Plants Here are the care tips for a few common flowering houseplants. All plants should receive regular feeding during the growing season, according to the recommended instructions. Never over water plants:

African Violet

• Temp: Average warmth 60°-72°F. Do not place in draughts or near hot radiator.

• Light: Bright spot -east or south facing window in winter -west facing in summer.

• Water: Water from the bottom only when surface of compost is dry. Do not get water on leaves.

• Humidity: High humidity required. Surround pot with damp peat or place pot on pebbles.

Anthurium

• Temp: Average warmth 68°F; min temperature in winter 60°F.

• Light:Bright in winter - protect from summer sun.

• Water: A little water every few days to keep compost moist but not waterlogged. Use soft tepid water.

• Humidity: Mist frequently. Place pebbles in the outer pot to increase humidity.

Azalea

• Temp: Cool - 50° - 60°F.

• Light: Brightly lit spot - not in direct sunlight.

• Water: Keep compost moist at all times. If soil dries out completely, plunge whole pot into deep tepid water until bubbles stop. Then drain completely.

• Humidity: Mist leaves daily during flowering season.

Begonia

• Temp: Average warmth 60° - 72°F. Avoid hot dry days and cold nights.

• Light: Bright position away from direct sunlight.

• Water: Keep compost moist but allow to dry out between waterings. Water from the bottom to avoid mouldy stems and leaves.

• Humidity: High level of humidity is required to avoid the flower buds falling. Place pebbles in the pot and keep wet.

Chrysanthemum

• Temp:Cool - 50°-60°F.

• Light:Good light - north facing room is ideal.

• Water: Keep compost moist but not wet - do not overwater.

• Humidity: If placed in warm temperature place pot on moist pebble tray.

Cyclamen

• Temp:Cool - 50° - 60°F.

• Light:Brightly lit - not in direct sunlight.

• Water:Keep compost moist, but not wet. Water when surface of compost is slightly dry.

• Humidity:Occasionally mist air around the plant or place on pebbles to increase humidity.

Gardenia

• Temp:Average warmth - not less than 60°F in winter.

• Light: Brightly lit spot - avoid direct midday summer sun.

• Water:Keep compost moist at all times, reduce watering in winter. Use soft tepid water to stop leaves turning yellow.

• Humidity: Mist leaves frequently.

Gerbera

• Temp:Min 45°F & a well ventilated max of 70°F.

• Light:Full sun, but give protection from midday summer sun.

• Water:Allow to dry out a little between waterings - but aim to keep moist during growing season.

• Humidity:The leaves dislike moisture so do not exceed temperatures of 70°F and do not mist.

Kalanchoe

• Temp:Average warmth; not less than 50°F in winter.

• Light:Brightly lit spot - avoid direct sun.

• Water:Water thoroughly then leave until compost is moderately dry.

• Humidity: No need to mist the leaves.

Roses

• Temp:Average warmth - 50°-70°F during growing season.

• Light:Bright sunny windowsill is ideal.

• Water:Keep compost moist but allow to dry out between waterings.

• Humidity: Mist leaves occasionally. Stand pot on pebbles if room is warm.