Caring for Roses

Rose Only suggests that you follow these important care instructions to ensure that your flowers stay happy and healthy for longer! The first 24 hours is the most crucial period, affecting the longevity of your flowers as flowers absorb half the water they require to survive during this time. All Flowers Recut all stems approximately 3-4cm  Keep flowers in a cool place away from draughts  Keep flowers away from heaters, televisions and microwaves  Keep flowers away from fruit as it releases a gas called ethylene, which accelerates the ageing process of flowers  It’s ok to use a few drops of bleach as an alternative to flower food preservative      Roses                                                           Remove the water pouches from the flower stem ends Remove any foliage (leaves) that will sit below the water line in the vase Cut the stems on an angle with a pair of sharp scissors about 3-4cm off the bottom of each stem – this will enable the roses to drink properly from the water – do not break or flatten the stems Ensure the vase you use is completely clean Use tepid water – at this temperature oxygen is drawn up more easily through the stems Add the flower preservative – one sachet per ½ litre of water Change the water in the vase every second day 2 days after delivery, remove 2 or 3 outer petals on the roses to allow newer and fresher petals to come through If roses start to droop, add ice cubes to clean water and recut stems Tulips                                                             Recut stems on an angle every 3 days Tulips like dirty water! They don’t like flower preservatives Tulips generally grow towards the light They don’t always grow upright and have a natural bend or ‘droop’ Tulips continue to grow once they have been cut Tulips are not wired as this can damage the delicate stems Gerberas                                                       Recut stem on an angle Gerberas prefer minimal water (approx. 5cm deep) as this prevents soggy stems Tiny pinprick at the top of the stem just below the head may prevent drooping Add flower preservative Lilies                                                               Prefer well-lit areas  To prevent staining of clothing or furniture, remove stamens (the little seeds inside the lily) as soon as lilies open, as they are not powdery at this stage  Add flower preservative  Hydrangea                                                     Split stems across the bottom as opposed to cutting them on an angle  Boil some water in a pan, and take off the heat once it has boiled. Dip 2cm of the stems into the water for 5 seconds only  Spray heads with cold water or immerse under cold water when weather is very hot/dry – this should be done preferably in the morning or at night Woody stemmed flowers such as these should only be used in bouquets as they cannot absorb water in an oasis  Irises                                                              Recut stems on an angle daily  Add flower preservative  Change water daily   Singapore Orchids                                        Recut stems on an angle daily  Orchids do not need flower preservative  Orchids love to be kept in cool areas without heating  Keep all flowers above the water line Natives                                                          Recut stems on an angle daily  Natives do not like flower preservative  Change water daily  Natives can be kept in hot or cold conditions