Biocides

• A simple penny can act as a fungicide and bactericide.penny image by Evan Meyer from Fotolia.com
  
  Biocides are a type of chemical that kills bacteria, yeast, and fungi. Commercial florist packets that come with purchased flowers contain a biocide. They also include an acid that helps move water up the stem of a flower and sugar to act as food source. But a homemade version can be made by using what you have at home. The homemade version of a biocide is 1/2 tsp. of bleach or 1 penny per quart of water.
  
  

Acids

• Lemon juice is a great source of acid for flowers.impressing lemon's juice image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Acids are another component of the homemade flower preservative. To make this component, just pick one combination. One aspirin and 1 quart of water is a choice that many people have in their home while 1 part non-diet lemon-lime soda or light colored soda to 3 parts water. Another choice is 2 tablespoons lemon juice plus 1 quart water but regardless of what combination you choose simply place in acid combination in vase.
  
  

Sugar

• Simple table sugar is an excellent food source for flowers.lump sugar in a glass sugar-basin image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Food is important to flower life and can be as simple as 1 tablespoon of sugar per quart of water. But remember that this solution will need to be changed daily and kept out of the sun.