The present invention relates to compositions for controlling plant and flower moisture transpiration and thereby extending the period of time in which cut flowers can be displayed before senescence produces a flower which has exceeded its aesthetic value. The compositions of the present invention comprise: a) from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight, of a homopolymer or copolymer comprising monomers having the formula: ##STR1## wherein each R.sup.1 is independently hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkoxy, phenyl, substituted phenyl, benzyl, substituted benzyl, carbocyclic, heterocyclic, and mixtures thereof; R.sup.2 is hydrogen, halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkoxy, phenyl, substituted phenyl, benzyl, substituted benzyl, carbocyclic, heterocyclic, and mixtures thereof; X is hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, --(CH.sub.2).sub.m CH.sub.2 OH, --(CH.sub.2).sub.m COR, --(CH.sub.2).sub.m CH.sub.2 OCOR', wherein R is --OR', --N(R').sub.2, --(CH.sub.2).sub.n N(R").sub.2, and mixtures thereof; each R' is independently hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 hydroxyalkyl, --(CH.sub.2).sub.n N(R").sub.2, and mixtures thereof; wherein R" is independently hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, and mixtures thereof; the index m is from 0 to 6, the index n is from 2 to 6; b) from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight, of a surfactant; and c) the balance carriers and adjunct ingredients.