How to Take Care of Cut Roses

Overview

A bouquet of roses can be a lovely way to mark an event or occasion. Their fragrant beauty can also add a special touch to every day. As graceful and elegant as cut roses are, it is natural to want to make their beauty last. Taking good care of your roses will allow you to enjoy them for as long as possible.

Step 1

Cut off any leaves that would otherwise be submerged in water, taking care not to knick the bark of the stem as this can inhibit the ability of the flower to take in water.

Step 2

Measure out one quart of warm water and then add three teaspoons of lemon-lime soda and one teaspoon of chlorine bleach to the water. Stir the mixture until well blended and the transfer to a clean vase.

Step 3

Place the stems of the roses under cool, running water and snip approximately one inch off the bottom of the stems. Use a sharp pair of scissors and cut at a 45 degree angle. Be sure to keep the cut ends wet until they are placed in the vase.

Step 4

Put the roses in the vase as soon as the stems are cut. Place the vase in a cool, slightly dark room for one to three hours to give the flowers time to adjust.

Step 5

Check the water level every day. Add more preservative solution as needed. If the water becomes cloudy, change the solution, wash the vase and the stems and then re-cut the stems of the flowers.