Do:

• Check your roses daily. Add new water mixed with fresh flower food every other day.
• Remove any leaves that fall under the water line in the vase.
• Trim the stems under water every few days.
• Display your roses in a cool, shady place — away from drafts; out of sunlight.
• If your roses are wilting, recut the stems under water. Then submerge them in a tub filled with warm water. Allow them to soak for an hour before replacing them in the vase.

Don't:

• Allow air bubbles in the stem. Air prevents water from reaching flower heads. Underwater stem cutting can eliminate this problem.
• Allow other stem blockages. Bacterial growth and dried-out stems can impede water flow to flower heads. To prevent this problem, never leave roses out of water and always cut the stems with a clean knife or scissors.
• Forget food. When refilling a vase, always mix the flower food in with the water.
• Forget about location. Always keep your flowers displayed in a cool, shady place. Don't place your bouquet on any heat-generating appliances — like a refrigerator or television — and keep them out of sunlight.

Source: Florists' Review, January 2001

back to top