Preserving Roses in the Philippines

Surely, you have always wondered if the roses you received from SHOPNZIP.COM - FLOWERS could last for several weeks, or even months if they could?  And don't you wish those gorgeous and fine crafted bouquets that your loved ones just gave could last more than a few days? That's not just wishful thinking, because there are a number of ways to extend the precious life of our cut roses for several days.

Clean Vase & Water
Let's begin with a pretty simple task of cleaning the container or vase where you would place the roses. This is one of the most overlooked requirements for keeping your cut flowers fresh for extended periods of time. Start with a spanking clean vase. Not just one that has been rinsed out, but a vase that has been thoroughly washed with hot, soapy water. Scrub your vases with a bottle brush to eliminate all the residue that builds up inside. Then soak them in a bleaching solution for a few minutes (about one cup per gallon of water).  Vases that have been used over and over without cleaning will accumulate bacteria that could immediately deteriorate your freshly cut roses. The cutters and scissors you use to cut your roses should also be cleaned often. Wipe down the cutter blades with a solution of bleach or alcohol.

Cut & Re-cut the Rose Stems
Use sharp, clean cutters, and cut the rose stems at an angle so that they do not sit flat on the bottom of the vase, which could impede water uptake. Place the cut flowers and roses in a bucket of lukewarm water. Then, re-cut the rose stems under the water to eliminate air bubbles.  This is very important because air bubbles can trap the water from reaching the stems, thus decreasing flower life and promote premature wilting of the rose bloom. Air causes air plugs or embolisms inside stems, which disrupts the flow of nutrients inside cut flowers. If your roses will be used in a bouquet, remove the foliage below the water line to help prevent bacteria.

Condition & Refrigerate Your Bouquets
Next, condition your roses by letting them drink up the warm water in a cool, dark room for about an hour. Fill the bucket full of water so that most of the stem is under water, but don't let the bloom get wet. Then, refrigerate your roses at about 38 degrees for at least two hours.

Change the Water in the Vase Often
And, finally, change the vase water of your roses from SHOPNZIP.COM FLOWERS often. Every day if you can, because old water contains bacteria, and fresh water will help to extend the life of your fresh cut roses. Never use softened water, because it may contain salt, which is not good for your cut roses. It also helps to re-cut the stems of your roses under water every day with a sharp pair of clean cutters.  To extend the life of your Philippine roses, simply add one or two teaspoons of clear Karo syrup.

The Philippine Weather is a Factor
We have no control over weather since it is mostly hot and humid here in the Philippines, but cut roses will last much longer during cooler weather, and will deteriorate faster in hot weather. Try placing the roses in a cool area away from the sun's rays.  When you retire at night, move the vase to the floor of a cool room. The next morning, retrieve the vase and display it appropriately in the home.