FLOWER CARE NOTES FROM ROSES ONLY

Did you know that the first 24 hours from the delivery is the most crucial period, affecting the longevity of your flowers as they absorb half the water they require to survive during this time? Roses Only suggests that you follow these important care instructions to ensure your flowers stay happy and healthy for longer.

ALL FLOWERS

Recut all stems on an angle, approximately 3-4cm. This will allow for the water to travel up the stem more easily.
Keep flowers in a cool place around the house or office but away from draughts.
Keep flowers away from extreme heat and cold, ea. heaters, airconditioners, TV, microwaves, computer screens.
Keep flowers away from fruit: fruit release a gas called ethylene, which accelerates the ageing process in cut flowers.
You may use a few drops of bleach and a spoonful of sugar as an alternative to flower food preservative.

	ROSES Remove water pouches from the stems Remove any leaves that will sit below the water line in the vase Cut the stems on angle about 3cm. This will enable the roses to drink properly; do not break or flatten the stems Ensure the vase you use is clean Use room temperature water: oxygen is drawn up more easily through the stems when water is tepid Gently remove any discoloured outside petals (these are sometimes left on during shipping to protect the rose head) Add the flower preservative: one sachet per 1 litre of water Change water in the vase every second day Keep discarding old outer petals from the rose head to allow fresher petals to fully open If roses start to droop, add ice cubes to clean water and recut stems on angle, possibly under the running water
	TULIPS Tulips are delivered in tight buds and open up over time to reveal the colour of the bloom. Every 3 days recut tulips stems on angle. Tulips like dirty water! Tulips dislike flower preservatives Tulips grow towards the light and will continue to grow once cut They don’t always grow upright and have a natural bend or ‘droop’, which is a perfectly normal, healthy appearance. Tulips are not wired as this can damage the delicate stems Do not keep your tulips in direct sunlight or in hot rooms: they will open too fast and will not last long
	GERBERAS Recut stems on angle Gerberas prefer minimal water, approx. 5cm deep; this prevents soggy stems Tiny pinprick at the top of the stem just below the head may prevent drooping Add flower preservative Change water in the vase every second day
	LILIES Lilies prefer well lit areas Recut stems on angle every few days Remove any leaves which will sit below the water line in a vase To prevent staining of clothing or furniture, remove yellow stamens as soon as lilies start to open (as they are not powdery at this stage) If you wish for the lily blooms to open faster, place flowers in warm water and keep vase in warmer part of the room Add flower preservative Change water in the vase every few days
	PEONIES Remove any leaves that will sit below the water line in a vase Cut the stems on angle, about 3cm, preferably under running water. This will enable peony stems to drink properly; do not break or flatten the stems Ensure the vase you intend to use is clean Use room temperature water: oxygen is drawn up more easily through the stems Gently remove any spent outside petals once the peony flower fully opens, to ensure continuity Change the water in the vase every few days If you wish for peony blooms to open faster, place flowers in warm water and position vase in warm spot around the house If peony petals start to wilt too soon, consider adding some ice cubes to clean water and recut stems
	IRISES Recut stems on angle, daily Add flower preservative Change water daily Keep irises away from direct sunlight, otherwise they will open too soon
	ORCHIDS Recut stems on angle, daily Orchids do not need flower preservative Orchids love to be kept in cool, shaded areas without heating and direct, strong sunlight Keep all flower heads above the water line
	AUSTRALIAN NATIVES Recut stems on angle, daily Natives do not like flower preservatives Change water daily Natives are not fussy and can be kept in hot or cold conditions