How to Keep & Revive Fresh Roses
Fresh-cut roses are a lovely and often fragrant addition to any indoor environment. They come in an assortment of colors and stem lengths, and have blooms of varying densities and sizes. Every stage of their development, from tightly closed buds to full blooms, showcases a different aspect of their beauty. Fresh roses typically last five to seven days. Unfortunately, some wilt prematurely, which is disappointing to those who buy them as well as receive them. With proper care, however, you can increase the longevity of your fresh-cut roses. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Clean container
- Fresh water
- Clean pair of florist's knife or scissors
- Flower preservative packets (optional)
- Thorn stripper (optional)
Instructions
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1
Fill a clean container with cool, fresh water. Add the contents of a single flower preservative packet if you have one---these are frequently distributed by flower retailers.
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2
Remove the lower leaves that are likely to become submerged in water once you place the stem in the container. Use a florist's knife, scissors or simply pull them off by hand. Keeping foliage out of the water will help maintain its cleanliness.
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3
Lightly run a thorn stripper down the length of the stem, or trim each thorn with scissors. Avoid cutting or slicing into the stem's surface, as this will shorten the rose's life.
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4
Cut off about a half inch to an inch from the bottom of each stem. Slice at a sharp angle. Cut the stems immediately before placing them in water.
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5
Place the roses in a cool, shady location away from direct sunlight and intense heat.
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Replace the container with fresh, cool water every day.
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7
Revive wilting roses by cutting their stems again before placing them in fresh, cool water.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose roses with firm blooms, closed petals and straight, strong stems. Avoid roses with soft, squishy blooms and petals that are stained or easily fall off. Avoid droopy or curved stems as well.
Make sure the roses you buy have been kept in clean, odorless water.
Ask your rose retailer to cut your roses and put them in water tubes so they will remain hydrated as you transport them.
In addition to flower food, you can add a teaspoon of bleach to every 32 ounces of water for your roses. This will prevent the growth of bacteria in the container.
Removing thorns is unnecessary if you only plan to display them.
