What happens to flowers when they are not properly hydrated?

When flowers are not properly hydrated, they will wilt. Wilting occurs when the water loss from the flowers exceeds the amount being absorbed by the stems. This can lead to a loss of turgor pressure, which is essential for maintaining the structure and firmness of the plant cells. When the cells lose water, they become less rigid, causing the flowers to droop and lose their vibrant appearance.

In contrast, being turgid (the opposite of wilting) is a sign that the flowers are adequately hydrated, as they maintain their shape and firmness from being filled with water. The scent or fragrance of the flowers and any potential growth in size are not directly connected to hydration; rather, these characteristics are typically the result of healthy, well-hydrated flowers. Therefore, when hydration is insufficient, wilting is the most observable effect on flowers.