What is the second basic need of cut flowers?

The second basic need of cut flowers is food, which is critical for their preservation and longevity after being cut from their source. Cut flowers rely on stored nutrients for sustenance, and their "food" typically comes from the sugars and nutrients in the water they are provided. This is often supplemented by floral preservatives, which include compounds that nourish the flowers and help to prevent bacterial growth in the water. Providing food is essential to maintain cellular function and support the physiological processes that keep the flowers healthy for as long as possible.

While soil, shelter, and sunlight are important for the growth of plants, once flowers are cut, they no longer have access to these elements. Therefore, the focus shifts to providing the right nutrients through water and preservatives, making food the second most essential need after water for cut flowers.