Angie's List:Keep Valentines roses fresh

Many of us received eye popping Valentines Day arrangements, with all sorts of exotic flowers and colors.

Florist Erika White said "we love having a lot of different arrangements instead of the classic traditional dozen roses." Unfortunately, some of those exotic flowers can wilt faster than others.

So our partners at the Consumer Guide Angie's List turned to Erika's flower shop for some tips to make your flowers look good all week.

1. First, trim the stems again. The trimming they got at the shop is now old, and capillaries may be blocked.

2. Try to clip them with a knife at a 45 degree angle, not scissors, which can crush the stem.

3. Be sure to add the packet of flower food, if it came with them.

4. And remove any foliage that would be below the water level: That can foul the water. Erika says "the most important thing is to keep the water clean. You can notice that they get a little cloudy after a few days. Keep the water full so all the stems are in the water."

5. Then, freshen the water every two days.

One last tip: Angie's List also says keep your flowers away from heat sources such as vents and direct sunlight, which will shorten their life.

That way you don't waste your money.

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