How to care for your gerbera daisies: Cut stems diagonally approx 1 inch from the end under running water with a sharp knife. Place the gerberas in at least 4 inches of fresh water with floral preservative. It is normal for gerbera daisies to appear sleepy or thirsty upon arrival and they need at least 4 hours to re-hydrate after their journey. Keep flowers away from direct sunlight, drafts, excessive heat. Re-cut stems and refresh water every 1-2 days to help your gerbera daisy flowers live long and beautifully.   TIP: To encourage straighter stems (gerbera daisies have a natural bend in their stems), support the flowers by placing them in a tall vase or bucket until you are ready to use them.  It can also help to leave the packaging on the flowers. If there are nets around the flower heads or rubber bands around the bunches, these can be left on until you are ready to arrange the flowers. Cardboard trays can also be left in place and positioned over the buckets or vase so that the flower stems are suspended from the trays and hang below in the water. If you need very straight, tall stems for your flower arrangement, please use floral wire with your gerberas.