How to Care for Long Stem Roses

Take special care of long stem roses to make them last.

Long stem roses are a special gift that most recipients want to enjoy for as long as possible. Enhance their beauty and longevity with proper care. Your efforts will pay off each time you catch a glimpse of the blooms or a whiff their sweet scent as you go about your daily routine.

Things You'll Need

• room with sunlight
• gardening scissors
• water
• vase

Instructions

1. Before you put the long stem roses in the vase, cut the leaves from the bottom of the stems. Keeping foliage out of the water will help you avoid any bad odors from decomposition.

2. Cut about an inch from the bottom of each stem. Cut the stems at an angle, which will facilitate water absorption.

3. Fill a vase with lukewarm water. If the long stem roses come with a packet of powder to put in the water, read the directions on the packet before adding it to the water. The powder packet will give the long stem roses the nutrients they need to extend their life.

4. Put the long stem roses in the vase and place the vase in a room that has lots of sunlight. Roses displayed in a room that is dark will not last as long as those that get sunlight.

5. Change the water in the vase every three days and add a new powder packet each time. Cut 1/2 inch off the stems when you change the water.

6. Periodically remove any flowers that die to keep the arrangement looking fresh.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a florist for an extra packet or two of powder so you can put it in the water when you change it every three days.

• Be careful of any thorns!

References

• Mr. Roses Flower Company: Caring for your Farm Direct Roses