What comes to mind when you think of cut flowers? Probably beauty, fragrance, but also fleetingness. While this is true for bouquets, proper care can extend their lifespan. We've prepared 7 proven tips to help you enjoy the beauty of roses much longer.
Roses, perhaps the most famous and beloved flower in the world. But it is also very old. Did you know that archaeologists found a fossilized rose that is about 35 million years old? No wonder, the rose bush blooms even in very harsh conditions. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for cut roses. Sometimes they start drooping sadly after just a few days in a vase.
So what affects whether a rose will delight us in a vase for days or weeks?
- Before buying, carefully examine the rose stems - the thicker they are, the longer they will last.
- Roses do not like drafts, and even a slight breeze can affect their lifespan. Therefore, pay attention to where the roses are placed in the flower shop. If the flowers are displayed in a drafty area, consider choosing a different flower.
- Have the roses you purchased wrapped well in paper - they don't handle drafts well even during transport.
How to care for roses?
- Trim the ends of the roses diagonally by about 2-3 centimeters with a sharp knife. By cutting them diagonally, you create a larger surface area for the flower to drink from. You can trim them under water and immediately place them in a vase with prepared water. A trimmed stem quickly seals in the air and may prevent the plant from absorbing enough nutrients.
- The flower should be cleaned at the florist's, but if it isn't, follow these steps: If the rose still has thorns, remove them - at least those that will be underwater. Also, remove the leaves - they rot. Only the stem belongs in the water.
- A clean vase is another key to success. Wash it thoroughly with a disinfectant. It is important to eliminate all microorganisms.
- The temperature of the water is often a debated topic. Many guides on the internet recommend putting flowers in warm water. But this definitely doesn't apply to roses. Neither does the opposite. Water that is too cold will shock them. Therefore, place them in lukewarm, room-temperature water. Pour it into the vase and let it sit. Mix in the flower food - the florist surely included it with the bouquet.
- Change the water every other day. In the case of water mixed with flower food, once every four days is enough. Trim the stems regularly every other day by another 2-3 centimeters so the flower has a constant supply of water and nutrients.
- The water level should not exceed ¾ of the stem when first placed in the vase. After a few hours, pour out some water so that it reaches half the stem.
- Place the roses in a cooler spot where they are not exposed to direct sunlight.
Also, be careful about which flowers you mix roses with. They don't do well with company. The florist in the shop should certainly point this out to you. Roses don't get along with lilies, lilies of the valley, or carnations. They also won't be happy if you have fruit nearby. So forget about the idea of a romantic nook with a vase of roses and a bowl of apples... Fruit emits ethylene, which roses don't like. In short, roses are soloists who don't like to share the spotlight. No wonder, their beauty is unique.
