Roses are the most popular flower in the world. With that said, not many people know how to care for them in order to extend their vase life and get the most out of them! If you love roses and want to make sure your bouquet remains beautiful and fresh for as long as possible, keep reading to learn basic care and handling tips!
The first thing to look for are signs of fresh, healthy flowers. A fresh cut rose typically has the following qualities:
- Tight heads that are just beginning to blossom
- Firm stems
- Dark green leaves
- No signs of discoloration or disease
After you’ve purchased your roses and brought them home with you, there are a few tips you can follow to get the most out of them:
Tip #1: Cut the bottom of the stems at a 45-degree angle
Cutting ¾ to 1 inch off of the stems at an angle increases surface area and allows your roses to absorb more water. Cutting the stems under running water is also recommended. When flowers are cut, the roots are immediately affected, cutting the stems under running water allows for water absorption right away!
Tip #2 Mix flower food with your water
Flower solution encourages your roses to bloom and maintain a healthy appearance. Make sure to properly mix the solution and water in the vase before placing your roses inside.
Tip #3 Remove excess foliage
Did you know that leaves and foliage that fall below the water line inside a vase can actually increase the growth of bacteria? An easy way to avoid this is by trimming off excess leaves and foliage before placing your roses in water.
Tip #4 Change water every few days
Flowers in general are very susceptible to bacteria, so changing the water every 2 to 3 days can reduce buildup and ensure they stay fresh for longer!
Tip #5 It’s all about location
Keeping your roses (and all flowers) away from direct sunlight or under air vents and far away from fruits are all recommended as all of these can negatively impact them and reduce their vase life.
