A fresh bouquet of roses has always been a classic present that delivers smiles for days when cared for correctly. Do you wish for your beauties to live on? Here are 8 simple tips you can follow to keep your rose bouquet looking fresh and vibrant for days longer than normal:
1. Trim the Stems
For roses, freshly cut stems absorb more water properly. Simply slice off the bottom of your rose stem with a sharp knife or pruning shears to about 1-2 cm) long, at an angle of 45°.
This increases the surface area of your roses for the purpose of water absorption. Hence, they stay hydrated for a longer time.
Pro Tip:
Re-trim the stems every 2-3 days to maintain water uptake.
2. Remove Excess Leaves
Any leaves that are submerged in the water will lead to a faster buildup of bacteria. This makes cut flowers wilt easily. Hence, it is a good idea to pluck off any leaves from the stems that will be below the water line in the vase.
Why It Helps:
When you remove the foliage, roses will direct all their life energy to the blooms keeping them fresh for a longer period.
3. Use Clean Vases
Always clean the vase thoroughly before arranging your roses. Bacteria from a dirty vase can significantly shorten the life of your bouquet.
Quick Tip:
Use a mix of water and a few drops of bleach to sanitise the vase before adding water.
4. Fresh Water Every Day
Re-fill the water in your vase every day to keep it free from bacteria. And only fill the vase halfway - keeping it at room temperature.
Extra Tip:
Add a few drops of flower food (usually provided with the bouquet) to help feed the roses.
5. Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat
Roses are best grown in shaded spaces. Keep your vase out of direct sunlight as well as heat or cold drafts. Too much heat causes the petals to shrivel more quickly and shortens the life of the roses.
Ideal Conditions:
Store your bouquet in a room with an average temperature of 18-22°C to ensure it stays fresh as long as possible.
6. Mist the Blooms
Roses love humidity! Lightly mist the blooms with water every morning to keep the petals hydrated and fresh.
How Often:
Do this 1-2 times a day, especially in dry or air-conditioned environments.
7. Remove Wilting Flowers
Once a rose starts to wilt, it can release ethylene gas, which causes nearby flowers to age prematurely. Remove wilting roses from the bouquet as soon as you notice them.
The Benefit:
By removing dying flowers, you’ll prevent them from affecting the rest of the bouquet, keeping the remaining roses fresh longer.
8. Store in a Cool Spot Overnight
Extend the life of your roses by placing the bouquet in a cool spot overnight. Some people even store them in the fridge!
Chilling Tip:
If possible, place your roses in a cooler area of your home, ideally at 10-12°C, to prolong their beauty overnight.
Bonus: DIY Rose Care Solution
Create a homemade rose care solution to nourish your flowers:
- 1 litre of lukewarm water
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice
Why It Works:
Sugar provides nutrients to the flowers, while the vinegar prevents bacteria growth in the water.
Final Word: Keep Your Roses Happy
By following these 8 simple tips, you can ensure your rose bouquets last longer than usual. With a little extra care and attention, you’ll enjoy the beauty of your roses for up to 7-10 days or more.
For more advice on flower care or to order the freshest rose bouquets, visit our online or offline Glamour Rose stores!