I have always loved single stalked roses as compared to single wrapped roses.
Don't you think its a pity that the pretty green leaves are snipped away and then they are wrapped in ugly plastic and finished with a piece of ribbon?
And I always try to preserve their charm whenever I receive one.
The smile it brings to my face when I wake up on a blue monday
The memory of how le bf gave it to me when I see it
Those are enough to make me want to preserve it.
During my journey of google research, I realised that there are also easy-to-use scatchets floral food contains three additives which work together to nourish flowers and deter bacteria:
-sugars to feed the blooms and encourage buds to form.
-biocides that kill the bacteria, yeasts and fungi.
-acidifiers to help water move up the stem more easily.
But too bad I didn't know until now, so I have to DIY (: and also to save cost!
This tip came from le bf, i.e to put it in a vase of water with a pill of paracetamol/panadol
Apparently, Paracetamol works as it increases the diameter of the vessels that carry water up through the stem to the flowers by reducing inflammation, much like aspirin's anti-inflammatory properties work in humans. It may also retard the growth of fungi and bacteria that can rot the stems of your cut flowers prematurely!
*tip: it is better to use lukewarm water as it contains less oxygen than cold water, and, and reduces the amount of air bubbles likely to form in the stem's network of tiny conductive vessels, blocking or limited water uptake.
It is vital to ensure that your vase is completely clean, as residue from previous displays can harbour bacteria which will block the tiny tubules that carry water up the stems, causing your flowers to wilt. For the same reason, you should also remove any fronds and leaves which lie below the water level.
*tip: see that the base of the stalk is cut at 45 degrees? It is said to help the rose better absorb water.
Thankfully the florist already did that step for me, if not, it is advised to cut the stem 3cm off the bottom, at a 45 degrees angle while being submerged.
Making a slanted cut provides stems with a bigger surface area for taking up more water, and also stops them from resting flat on the bottom of the vase, limiting their water intake. If you can cut the stems while holding them submerged they will absorb even more water.
Watch that orange pill fizz.
I shouldn't have used an orange coloured paracetamol
Now it looks like horrible tasting orange juice.
Orange juice anyone?
And also spray them with gentle mist of water daily.
Remember to provide your roses fresh supply of water and cut the stem every 4-5 days to
promote better absorption of water
In short, you will need
1. Clean vase
2. Lukewarm water
3. Paracetamol
4. Spray them with a mist of water daily
5. Change the water regularly (every 1-2 days)
6.Trim the stem every 4-5 days
7. Keep them away from direct sunlight
7. Smell and admire your pretty flower (:
Information credit source
Apart from diamonds, roses would be a girl's 2nd best friend. At least for me!
From our first Valentine's day