Caring for Flowers

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 approximately 3-4cm Keep flowers in a cool place but away from draughts Keep flowers away from extreme heat and cold, ea. heaters,airconditioners, TV, microwaves, computers Keep flowers away from fruits: fruits 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 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 when water is tepid 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 fully open If roses start to droop, add ice cubes to clean water and recut stems on angle (poss. under running water), again 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  PEONIES 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), 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 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   ORCHIDS Recut stems daily on angle 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 an angle, daily Natives do not like flower preservatives Change water daily Natives are not fussy and can be kept in hot or cold conditions