The Absorption of Water

• Water is spread into the plant by the stem.carnations on the street image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
  
  The root cells at the end of the carnation stem absorb the water into the main root of the flower. The root then carries the water up, into and through the stems. The water then moves into the leaves and flowers. It evaporates through tiny holes in the leaves called stomata. Much of the water that travels through the plant is lost through this evaporation.
  
  

Maximum Water Absorption

• The healthy blooms of carnations absorbing appropriate amounts of water.red carnations image by Diana Mastepanova from Fotolia.com
  
  For carnations to have the best water absorption, the bottom of the stems need to be cut at 45-degree angles. This way, only an edge of the stem will rest in the vase and leave the remainder of the stem bottom for water absorption. Cut the stem while it is submerged in the water of a bowl or sink. Make the cut above one of the nodes, or the points on a stem. Once cut, immediately place the carnations in a water-filled vase.
  
  

Water

• Carnations thrive in warm, but not cold, water.carnation image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
  
  Warm water is easier than cold water for the cut carnation to drink. It is easier for the stem's cells to absorb the water molecules, or the smallest particles of a substance. Distilled or bottled water is the best water to use because tap water may contain chemicals that shorten the life of carnations.
  
  

Water Solution

• Carnations blooming in their water solution.Pink Carnation image by cat from Fotolia.com
  
  To make the water absorbed through the stem of the flower more nutritious, add the flower-food packet that often comes with a collection of cut carnations. The packet contains a bactericide, which is a bleach or an aspirin that destroys bacteria; simple sugar, or food, for carnations; and an acidifier like vinegar and lemon juice. If the packet is not included, you can make one by adding 1 tsp. each of sugar and bleach and 2 tsp. of lemon or lime juice to 1 quart of lukewarm water.
  
  

Additional Tips

• When carnations have a good, frequently changed water solution, they thrive.????'??'??'???¡¤?'¡ì?'3 image by Takamaru from Fotolia.com
  
  Recondition your cut carnations every three days. Cut the bottom of the stems, again at an angle, and throw out the old water. Add the new water solution freshly mixed with sugar, bleach and an acid. Good overall care includes removing the stem leaves below water; otherwise, they'll rot and pollute the water.