You use a lot less water because you are actually getting water right to the root system. Plants don't absorb water through the leaves. Wet leaves are more vulnerable to bacterial and fungal diseases and insects.

People, up to now, haven't been paying attention to water. It hasn't been a big issue for a while.

He had a green thumb. He loved to water the plants and cut the flowers. He was so proud of how his trees looked.

Desert adapted plants, once they're established, they need very little supplemental water. Some of the other plants that we use in the desert, even if they're desert adapted, may not be native to this region, and so they may need additional water supplies.

Tiny plants in water get a burst of energy from the nutrients.

The amount they give you is about enough for a quart of water. If your vase doesn't hold that much, use proportionately less of the packet. Also make sure your vase is clean to delay the growth of microorganisms. Let the flower preservative dissolve.