Q&A for How to Make Fresh Flowers Last Longer

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

What's the best way to cut roses?

Rachel Cho
Floral Designer & Plant Specialist
Rachel Cho is a Floral Designer, Plant Specialist, and the Owner of Rachel Cho Floral Design, a floral shop based in New York City. With more than 16 years of experience, she specializes in original and impactful floral design and is known for her dexterity, innate artistry, and design sense. Rachel’s work has been featured in numerous national media outlets such as The New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar, and Huffington Post Weddings.

Rachel Cho

Floral Designer & Plant Specialist

Expert Answer

Use sharp shears and cut your rose stems at a 45-degree angle. This allows much more surface area for the water to be absorbed through the stem, which helps the water reach the bloom.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Question

Can we use paracetamol instead of aspirin?

Community Answer

The addition of 1 tsp of household bleach and 1 tsp of table sugar in the vase will help lengthen the flower blooms and reduce the smell of decaying foliage.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 35 Helpful 23
Question

How long will it last in warm water?

Community Answer

Not as long as cold water but make sure that it is not ice-water. Also, be sure to make the stems are properly cut as well.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 14 Helpful 11
Question

Is it a good idea to put a penny in the water?

Community Answer

Yes. The iron content will give the flower a better growing condition, thus making it more firm and more attractive

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 32 Helpful 30
Question

How long will they last in cold water?

Yumna Muhammad Fawwaz

Community Answer

Use cold water (or simply add some ice cubes to the vase) in order to keep the blooms lasting longer. Although the stems will absorb any water, cold water slows decay, bacteria or mold from breaking down organic matter.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How long will they last in cold water?

Yumna Muhammad Fawwaz

Community Answer

Use cold water (or simply add some ice cubes to the vase) in order to keep the blooms lasting longer. Although the stems will absorb any water, cold water slows decay, bacteria or mold from breaking down the organic matter.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0