Care of Cut Roses - How to Make Your Fresh-Cut Roses Last
Most people are certain they know how to take care of cut roses: grab a vase, uncover the roses and then just plunk them into water. How hard can it be, really? But on the day of the big show, they have wilted, their little heads drooping and their leaves curling up brown at the edges! If this has ever happened to you and you have wondered just how to take care of cut roses so that they will last, then read over this article to learn how.
Cut Roses are a Joy!
Naturally, people wish to hold onto these blossoming gifts to last as long as possible, and are a bit saddened if they wilt too soon. Two factors that shorten the lives of cut flowers, but especially roses are air bubbles and bacteria.
Rose stems use long "drinking straw" like cells to "pull" up water and nutrients. But once cut, these cells can become blocked by tiny air molecules and bacteria (attached to the plant sap). This reduces the water intake, which eventually kills the cut flower.
The key to long lasting cut roses stop or slow down these two problems. All you need to do is these simple tips; and you can have your cut roses lasting a full week!
=> Clean and disinfect all of the buckets, vases or bowls that the roses will be contained. Airborne, wild yeasts and other fungi can grow in unwashed containers. Sanitizing things is your first step. Add a capful or two of bleach to your wash water to kill off any bacteria.
=> If using roses from your garden - You will need a clean bucket filled with lukewarm water and a knife. Cut your roses with a clean, sharp knife (don't use a serrated edge). Place them immediately into the water. Don't remove until you are ready to arrange them.
If using roses from a shop or received as a gift - remove them from the florist foam (if you are going to put them into container) or remove the wrapping and plunge them immediately in lukewarm water.
=> Put floral food and preservatives in the water you use - You can easily buy a packet of "flower food" from the shop where you pick up your roses. But if you receive them as a gift and you don't have access to professional mixture, in a pinch you can fill a 1 quart jar with water, then mix in 2 ounces lemon juice (acid to kill fungi) and 2 tablespoon sugar (food for roses).
=> Recut roses under water - This is very important! Once you are ready to arrange them, recut your rose stems at 45 degree angle while submerged in water (you can do this in a clean sink or bucket). This prevents air bubbles from gathering at the ends.
=> Top off with water (with flower food added) every 2-3 days - For best results, you can replace all the water if needed. But for most occasions, simply topping off is more than enough.