Tips to take care of cut roses

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Roses have been generally loved worldwide for ages. They are most well-known as ornamental plants grown for their lovely flowers. People have started to cultivate the roses for decorations and other uses as early as 500 BC in China, Persia and Mediterranean countries.

Roses /VCG Photo

Roses are also used as symbols of love. On Valentine's Day, millions of cut roses are sent in the name of love. A red rose signifies love and passion; pink rose, expressing appreciation; yellow rose, friendship; white rose signifies innocence. In China, a rose bouquet with 99 stems means "forever love."

Some best roses for cutting. /CGTN Infographics

But how to take care of these beautiful but delicate cut roses? Here are some useful tips.

1. Once you receive the roses, unwrap them as soon as possible.

2. Clean the vase thoroughly before you put your roses inside.

Roses in vases. /VCG Photo

3. Instead of filling the vase with cold water, fill half of it with lukewarm water because warmer water is easier for flowers to absorb.

4. Use floral preservative to extend the life of cut roses. If you don't have one, you can make your own recipe. Mix one-pint Sprite, one half teaspoon bleach which can kill bacteria with one-pint warm water.

There are hundreds of species of roses and thousands of cultivars. /VCG Photo

5. Now you can put roses in your vase. But firstly, cut the stems at a 45-degree angle under water for quick absorption. Then remove any leaves that fall below the water line. Submerged leaves can rot and pollute the water.

6. Don't cut the stems too short, as it's necessary to trim them again a few days later to keep the roses fresh.

Kitten pawing vase of roses. /VCG Photo

7. Place the roses in a cool place; avoid direct sunlight or heat and keep them away from fresh fruits especially apples. The ripening fruits can hasten the aging process of flowers.

8. When water becomes cloudy, change it and wash the vase. Clean and recut the stems. Repeat the steps for maximum life of roses.

After all of these steps, you can enjoy the sweet time with these lovely flowers.