Taking care of roses in the vase
The rose is known as the queen of flowers and at Surprose we offer roses in all colours of the rainbow: blue, green, yellow, orange, red, pink or even multi-coloured roses! Whether you choose a large, long, classic, playful or modern bouquet, the colour and number of roses you send often has deep symbolism. That's why it's important to know how best to care for your roses. With the right techniques, you can make sure your roses stay beautiful for up to a week or more. Looking after roses might not always be easy, so we give you some handy tips on how to look after roses and make the most of your flowers.
1. Use a clean glass vase
There are a lot of beautiful vases out there made of earthenware. Very beautiful, but not good for your roses. One of the most important aspects of caring for roses is using a clean vase. Earthenware is not smooth, so bacteria can accumulate on the inside of the vase. This can be caused by water residues, soap or bacteria from your previous bouquet of flowers. The best thing for your roses is to use an (acrylic) glass vase. Clean it well with, for example, a little bleach to ensure that no bacteria remain in the vase.
- Look carefully at the space the roses are given in the vase. After all, they do need enough room to open!
- Not a fan of glass, because you are afraid of shards in the house? Children running around, pets etc.? Then look at an acrylic vase. These will not crack and fall to the ground in shards when knocked over!
2. Cut the stems of your roses diagonally with sharp rose scissors or a knife
A 45-degree angle is recommended, as the roses can then drink enough water. It's important to use sharp rose scissors or knives, because a blunt knife or scissors can pinch the capillaries in the rose stem. If this happens, the rose cannot drink enough water and they will soon hang their heads.
3. Remove the leaves from the stem that end up in the water
A crucial step in the process of grooming roses is to remove leaves that hang below the water level in the vase. These leaves can promote bacteria, significantly shortening the life of your roses.
4. Make sure there is enough clean water in the vase
Roses drink a lot of water. It is therefore important that the roses have enough water in the vase. The most common tip for filling the vase with water is to fill the vase up to half or two thirds of the way. Make sure the water is clean, so no unnecessary bacteria will reach your roses. It is important to put the roses in the vase as soon as possible after receiving them, to recover from the journey.
5. Add the rose food that is enclosed in the envelope.
In addition to water, the roses also need rose food. You received two bags of rose food in the envelope. Use the first when you first put the roses in the vase. After a week you can use the second bag of flower food! Your roses will need more food to stay strong and beautiful!
6. Refresh the water and add the second flower food
You can refill the water during the week if your roses drink a lot of water. After a week we advise you to change the water in the vase. Take the roses out of the vase and clean the vase again. The bacteria that have accumulated in the vase must be removed. Fill the vase with new, clean water and add the second sachet of flower food. Rinse the stems of the roses to prevent them from carrying bacteria into the clean vase.
7. Cut the stems diagonally again with sharp rose scissors or a knife
Cut about 2 or 3 cm off the stems at an angle of about 45 degrees. Cutting the stems again, combined with the clean vase, the fresh water and the second bag of flower food, can make your roses last even longer in the vase than you might be used to.
Extra tips for caring for roses
8. Keep your roses out of the sun, heating, drafts or stove
Direct sunlight or the heat from the heating, the sun or a stove do not have a good effect on roses. The roses cannot tolerate this. The roses evaporate more moisture, while they really need it. The roses will soon droop their heads and become limp.
9. Keep your roses away from fruit
Fruit emits an ethylene gas, which happens because fruit also ages and becomes riper with time. There is nothing you can do about this, but the roses will soon get older and limp. So it is best to move your fruit basket or your vase to keep them away from each other.
10. Do not remove the thorns from the roses unnecessarily
If it is not necessary, we advise against removing the thorns from the roses. It is possible that the rose suffers a wound as a result. This is where bacteria accumulate and the roses will soon drop their heads. Would you prefer roses without thorns? Then take a look at our thornless roses.
11. Remove spent roses from the bouquet
It is of course possible that some roses have finished flowering earlier than others. In this case, remove them from the bouquet. First of all this does not look nice, but what is even more annoying is that these roses spread bacteria in the vase to the other roses. This can affect the other roses as well. When that happens you can throw away all the roses and of course that is a shame.
12. Put the roses in a cool place at night
Roses stay freshest if left in a cool place. To allow the roses to recover overnight it is best to put them in a cool but not humid place.
13. Do your roses droop quickly?
Have they not been watered immediately and do the roses droop quickly? We have one last tip that could help you with this. Roll up your roses tightly in (newspaper) paper. Put them in a clean vase with cold water and let them stay overnight in a cool but not humid place. This way you will give your roses the best chance to bloom beautifully!
Rose care FAQ
How can I keep my roses beautiful for longer?
Make sure you put the roses in a clean vase as soon as you receive them, cut the stems at an angle and change the water regularly. Always use the included rose food.
How often should I change the roses' water?
Change the water at least once a week. Clean the vase and cut the stems at an angle again for optimal water absorption.
Why do my roses droop quickly?
Roses can start drooping limply if they do not get enough water or if the stems are not cut properly. Ensure fresh water and proper cutting technique.
What should I do if my roses go limp quickly?
If your roses go limp, wrap them in paper and put them in cold water in a cool place for the night. This can refresh the flowers.
Why shouldn't I put my roses near fruit?
Fruit produces ethylene gas, which speeds up the aging process of roses. So keep your roses away from fruit to keep them beautiful for longer.
