Flowers contain a waterway system (xylem) consisting of capillaries. These capillaries act like straws that carry water and nutrients to the vital areas of the flower. This important process is called "Hydration."

1. These capillaries can become blocked and plugged. This can slow or impede hydration, which can result in the acceleration of flower death.
2. Another way the waterway can be impeded is when a flower is placed in a "stressed" environment, causing air blockage. Some examples of these causes are extreme heat, lack of water and other shocks to the flower's system.

The best way to combat these problems is by treating the flowers with a solution like Quick Dip Instant Hydrating Treatment or HydraFlor^® 100 Hydrating Treatment that lowers the pH of the water and keep capillaries free flowing.

1. Prevention of bent-neck and wilting in roses:
2. Decreased wilting in cut field crops.
3. Some flowers that would normally be considered shrink can now be salvaged:
   • By lowering the pH of the water, the water uptake through the capillaries will be increased. An increase in uptake will hydrate the flower and eliminate a water stressed flower.
   • The addition of chemicals that prevent blockage in the flower will help keep the capillaries free flowing.
4. Water stressed flowers will increase their ethylene production.

Instructions for maximum hydration of all crops, including roses, gerbera daisies, field grown crops, mixed bouquets: