Flower care

Unwrap gently and give the stems air. If the arrangement travelled in a box, lift it out by the base rather than the blooms.

Cut two centimetres from each stem at a sharp angle with clean shears. This reopens the channel that draws water. Repeat every second day.

Use cool, clean water and change it fully every two days — topping up is not the same. Remove any leaves that sit below the waterline.

Keep away from direct sun, air conditioning vents and ripening fruit. Dubai heat is the fastest way to lose a bouquet.

Never water. Dust with a cool hairdryer on low, and keep out of humid rooms to protect the colour.