Fertilizers, mulch, compost, manure, and several such products are formulated for the purpose of optimum plant growth―in the same way, there is also flower food that is formulated for the purpose of flower health. And the flowers that we refer to here aren't those that grow in the flower gardens, but those that have been cut and are used for flower arrangement in vases. There are varied types of foods that are available that help in increasing the shelf life of these cut flowers. How does this food help and what are the benefits that it offers? That is exactly what we will be getting into the details of in the article that follows and also supply you with certain recipes for the same. Increases Life The most important thing that flower food does for cut flowers is that it helps in increasing the life of the flowers. Flower food helps in providing the necessary nutrients, so that the life of the flowers increases by an astounding percent. The food also helps to lower the acidic content in the water and therefore helps the stalks of the flowers to last longer. Maintains Color Along with increasing the life of the plants, the other important thing that flower foods do is they help to make the flowers generally more healthy so that the colors of the flowers stay intact and fresh. Unlike those flowers that end up losing color and wilting after a day has passed. Prevents Diseases This food also keeps the water free of bacteria and fungus buildup. These microorganisms eat away at the stalks and therefore begin the decaying process of the flower. Since this food prevents that, the flowers last longer. Money Saving The ingredients that are used in making this food involve inexpensive home products such that preparing it becomes easier and very cheap. Along with that, since the flowers last longer, there is also a lot of money that is saved by delaying the purchase of fresh flowers. Recipes Recipe # 1 Use a mixture of white vinegar (2 tbs), chlorine bleach (½ tsp), sugar (2 tbs) and warm water (1 quart). Mix all these and use. Recipe # 2 Use white sugar (1 tsp), lime juice (2 tsp), bleach (1 tsp) and warm water. Mix all these and use. Recipe # 3 Use white vinegar (2 tbs), bleach (½ tsp), sugar (2 tbs) and warm water. Mix well and use. How to Use Along with using these recipes, one can also employ certain steps so that the flower life increases further. The following are some tips.

• Always use warm water as a medium. The stalks are able to absorb the ingredients better through this medium.
• Keep the vase absolutely clean so that there is no bacterial growth that cuts into the nutrients of the flowers.
• Cut the stalks at a slant so that there is more surface area for the plants to absorb nutrients.
• Keep the vase in a cool dry area and away from the sun's rays.
• Clean the stalks so that there are no leaves hanging in the water. This will only encourage rotting and spoil the water.
• Change the water every 2-3 days and add the food every time you do so.

Flower food helps in increasing the life of the flowers and helps to keep them fresh and healthy. That is why there is a need that every flower lover recognizes the importance of it and starts using it for effective flower care.