As you can see on my Insta Stories, I have a much loved fascination with roses. I really took an interest in them during 2020’s lockdown. For once, I spent most of the year at home with all the time in the world to care and appreciate our existing rose bushes (which I ignored for years!) We even added more roses to our backyard, creating a wide variety to enjoy at home.
While our roses are fun to admire outdoors, I wanted to bring them indoors so I could have a piece of these beautiful flowers to enjoy in our house.
After trying different methods, I finally figured out how to keep these fresh cut roses indoors while allowing a longer bloom time to enjoy.
Step 1: Sturdy Stems
Sonia Roses
Choose roses with a sturdy stem (often found growing at the top of the plant.) The younger roses are usually located at the base of the plant and their stems are a little softer than the ones at the top of the plant.
Step 2: The Sepal
High Voltage Roses
If you want to have a longer time to enjoy your roses indoors, then don’t pick the ones that have fully bloomed because at that point they’re on their way out. This is just based on my experience where fully bloomed roses start to die out a few days later versus those that weren’t fully open yet.
Summer Rose (front) and Snowdrifts (back)
Oregold Roses
Instead, I like to pick the roses where the sepal (that green leaflike thing that supports the rose petals) is slightly pulled away from the rose without the rose fully opened yet.
Step 3: Make The Cut
Arizona Rose (left) & Oregold (right)
Figure out the length of the stem you want to cut and use clean pruners or scissors to make a 45-degree angle cut slightly above any new growth so the new growth can continue to produce more roses.
Why cut at an angle instead of straight across? The angle allows the stem to absorb more water and not create air bubbles which could get trapped in the stem making the rose unable to receive any nutrients.
Tip: If your fresh cut roses look a bit sad in your vase, change the water and make a fresh 45-degree angle cut on the stems. A lot of times a trapped air bubble could be the cause of this issue.
I’ve heard of people using the rule of five petals down the stem for deciding where to make the cut. Sometimes I do that if it’ll accommodate the vase I’m using. Otherwise I just make the cut to accommodate whatever length I need to fit my vase.
Step 4: A Dark, Cool Spot
Kashmir Rose
Now this part is especially crucial! As soon as you cut the rose, you must immediately put it (stem side down of course) in a bucket of cool water and take it indoors to sit in a dark, cool spot for at least 3 hours or longer if possible. Sometimes I’ve forgotten about them and they sat in a dark spot until the following day.
This is especially important if cutting roses on a hot summer’s day. I’ve made the mistake several times of letting fresh cut roses sit in a bucket of water in 90 degree heat and within minutes after cutting they went limp and died.
Head Over Heels Roses
I like to put them in our closet because it’s often dark and cool. I’ve never used the refrigerator for them so I’m not sure how that works out but you can try it if you want. Many florists refrigerate fresh cut flowers. Just beware of possible insects though!
Step 5: Arrange Your Roses
The Poet’s Wife Rose
Place your roses in a vase or jar of fresh, cool water. Make sure the leaves are not submerged in the water because they’ll eventually rot in it and create bacteria that will kill your fresh cut roses. If the leaves aren’t above the water line, then you’ll need to either dump out some of the water or you can remove the leaves that are in the way.
Put your vase of roses in a room or spot where it doesn’t get too much sunlight. Make sure you change the water every few days. Sit back and watch them bloom!
Step 6: Watch Them Bloom
So far by following these steps, I’ve managed to keep my fresh cut roses in a vase for as long as 2 weeks without the use of preservatives or plant food. But also keep in mind the health of the plant they came from outdoors also play a huge role. So make sure you’re taking good care of your outdoor roses as well!
Oklahoma Rose
Sonia Rose
The Poet’s Wife Rose
Knockout Roses
Well that’s all for now. I hope my instructions aren’t too confusing for you. There are also lots of YouTube videos out there for you to watch examples of cutting roses. Just make sure they’re cutting at a 45 degree angle though!
Do you have a favorite type of rose? Comment below and share this post with your friends!
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