Caring for Flowers

Roses Only suggests that you follow these important care instructions to ensure your flowers stay happy and healthy for longer! The first 24 hours within 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. ALL FLOWERS Recut all stems approximately 3-4cm  Keep flowers in a cool place but away from draughts  Keep flowers away from extreme heat and cold, ea. heaters, aircondition, TV, microwaves, computers Keep flowers away from fruits: they release a gas called ethylene, which accelerates the ageing process of cut flowers  You may use a few drops of bleach and spoonful of sugar as an alternative to flower food preservative.   ROSES                                                      Remove the water pouches from the stems Remove any leaves that will sit below the water line in the vase Cut the stems on an angle (about 3-4cm) – 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 Gently remove any discoloured outside petals (these are left on during shipping to protect the rose head) Add the flower preservative: one sachet per ½ litre of water Change the water in the vase every second day Keep discarding old outer petals from the rose head to allow fresher petals to open If roses start to droop, add ice cubes to clean water and recut stems 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 an angle. Tulips like dirty water! They dislike flower preservatives Tulips generally grow towards the light and 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 an 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 LILIES                                                              Prefer well-lit areas Recut stems on angle every few days  To prevent staining of clothing or furniture, remove yellow stamens as soon as lilies open, as they are not powdery at this stage  Add flower preservative  HYDRANGEAS                                                    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 AUST. 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