Flower MD - Q & A

Flower Questions & Answers

Q. What is the best way to prolong the life of fresh cut flowers?

A. The best way to get longer enjoyment from cut flowers is to remember to re-cut the stems under water and use flower food dissolved in a measured amount of water. To re-cut stems, cut about one inch off using flower clippers or a sharp knife while holding the flower stem under water and immediately place in your vase or container. Also, keep fresh flowers out of direct sunlight and away from drafts (like A/C vents, heater vents, or fans).

Q. Which cut flower will last longest?

A. Generally speaking, chrysanthemums, carnations, lilies and alstroemeria are among the longer lasting flowers. Flower life is a function of the genetics, the environment, and the care given (from farm to consumer's home) when flowers are received.

Q. If I remove the leaves from the flowers, will it harm them?

A. No, removing the leaves from the flower will not harm the flower. In fact, you should remove any leaves that may fall below the water line. This will help remove a major source of bacteria and fungi that will grow under water and clog the stems. But keep the leaves above the water line in the container to allow the flowers to respire, i.e. pull water through the stems.

Q. What is in flower food mixtures that come with bouquets?

A. The packets contain a balance of food (simple sugars for flower opening and vase performance) and a pH-lowering component (weak acid) to keep bacteria and fungi from growing in the vase and boosts flow into the stems and ingredients to check bacteria growth so the solution flows freely. The exact ingredients are a trade secret, but that is basically what they are. Remember, too, that no "home solution" really can come close to what science and research have developed. You and your flowers are best served by using a measured amount of commercially prepared floral food than anything else.

Q. I've heard vinegar and water is better than floral food, is this true?

A. Not true. There are many home remedies that some say will extend the life of fresh cut flowers. Nothing extends the life as well as a packet of professionally prepared floral preservative dissolved in a measured amount of warm water.

Q: How often should I change water treated with floral food in the vase?

A: Fresh food solution should be added to the existing vase water as the level recedes. Normally, it is not necessary to change the water in the first 6-7 days. If the flowers begin to wilt, try re-cutting them and placing them in a freshly prepared flower food solution.

Q. My roses fell over after a day in the vase

A. Remove rose, cut an inch off the stem with a clean, sharp tool and replace it into flower solution.

Q. My roses only opened 1/3 the way. What's the problem?

A. Your blooms have something blocking their stems or they were cut too immature. If stems are blocked, try to get them to open using this method: Fill a rose bowl or other short container with fresh flower food and cut stems so that they extend 2-3 inches over the lip. Cluster stems and place in fresh flower food.

Each rose variety has a specific cut point, that is, the degree of readiness for the bloom where it is still a bud, but mature enough to have long vase life potential. This cut point "openness" allows the bud to continue to open and hold in the vase. Almost all the commercial varieties available today require a considerably open cut-point-not the tight, pointed candy kiss shape so popular in the '70's and '80's.

Q. My red roses have dark edges on the petal margins. Why?

A. Strong UV light, warm days and frosty nighttime temperatures in flower growing regions cause pigments to concentrate on petal margins making edges appear super dark, even black on red roses. On colored roses, these environmental conditions cause magnificent red flames or flecks of intense color on guard petals. The condition has no negative affect on vase life.

Q. Why are the outer petals so green?

A. High levels of chlorophyll cause petals to appear green. Roses with green outer petals often have characteristics of long vase life performance.

Q. My flowers don't have a fragrance. Why not?

A. Vase life is the yardstick consumers use to measure flower quality and satisfaction. Usually, the headier the fragrance, the shorter the vase life, so that genetic trait has been bred out of many commercial roses.

Q. Can flower food be used in metal containers?

A: The acid in flower food will react with metal (including lead in crystal). We do not recommend the use of flower food in crystal or metal vases.

Q. I don't have any flower food. My gift did not come with a packet or I used the entire amount provided to fill my vase initially.

A. Most reputable floral retailers will provide you with flower food and if asked will provide additional packets. If for some reason you find yourself without floral food, the best method is to give them a fresh cut and a change of water daily. If this activity is too demanding, put a couple drops of bleach in your vase when you originally fill it. After 3-4 days, remove flowers, wash and fill vase with fresh water and a few drops of bleach. Give stems a clean cut and place flowers into fresh set-up.

Skip the aspirin, sugar, sodas and mouthwash. All of these home brews offer more feel good than flower care.

Q. I want to know what are the different uses of cut flowers, I mean where are the right places to put them?

A. The beauty of fresh flowers can be enjoyed just about anywhere! People can wear them in their hair or on clothing. They can carry a single stem or bouquet. They can be displayed on table-tops and other furniture, used to adorn a table for food or for fun. Some homes have a vase of fresh flowers in the entry to welcome guests. I keep flowers in my bathroom so I can enjoy them each morning. I also like to put some in a guest room to make my guests feel especially welcome.

If a container can hold water, it can be used to hold fresh flowers. It is important, however, to keep fresh flowers out of drafty areas or places that get warm. Dry air is detrimental to flower life. Direct sunlight can hasten their demise, too, but most people don't display fresh flowers in an area that gets lots of direct bright sunlight.

Where are the right places to put them? Much depends on personal preference and cultural norms. There maybe some places it is inappropriate to display them, but I could not identify a single one myself. Many people consider flowers as a non-verbal language, one that helps them express deep emotions that they may not have the words for. Some people use that language often, others may rarely know the beauty of fresh flowers. They can be elegant or simple, they can be bright or soft. They do bring feelings that words simply cannot in expressions of deep love or sympathy. Flowers do have a purpose in nature, but for humans their sole purpose is to inspire. Use them often and anywhere you want.

Q. How does temperature affect water uptake in cut flowers?

A. Heat is a catalyst for most reactions, including the uptake of water in fresh flowers. Warmer water is taken-up faster than cooler water. Water at the same temperature is taken-up faster in warm air than in cooler air.

Q. Can you please tell me how to keep roses alive when floating in a bowl of water? Is it best to trim the stem completely so only the bud remains?

A. I would suggest that you allow the roses to open quite a bit so they will float. Buds aren't open enough to allow some of the petals to bend horizontally, helping the bloom to float by increasing the surface area. Permit them to open while you keep them on long stems, in a vase with preservative solution. When you're ready to float them, you should trim the stem to an inch or half inch from the base of the bloom. This will help keep the bloom upright and permit it to take up some water.

Q. Does removing all of the thorns on a rose decrease its life?

A. No, removing thorns from a rose does not reduce its life as long as you do not damage the bark. They are sometimes easier to handle, but it does not affect the longevity positively or negatively.

Q. Is there a way that I could use the cut roses to make them root so that I could plant them in my yard?

A. For some plants, that is possible. I believe it will be a great challenge for roses. The woody stem doesn't produce roots easily and there probably isn't enough light to sustain the stem with what few leaves likely remain. I would suggest you contact a local garden center or look on-line to see if you can find a similar cultivar and then acquire that plant for your garden. Commercial cut flower varieties are generally not well suited for outdoor gardens.

Q. I am searching for the true meaning behind flowers. Some web sites, for example, 1 will say a yellow rose stands for friendship, and the 2nd site will say a yellow rose stands for jealousy. I heard the red rose stands for love and I am trying to find the right flower with a meaning to give to a girl I have feelings for?

A. The language of flowers is a lost art, but some strive to keep the meaning alive through web sites. The Victorian era gave rise to "meaning" behind flowers. But just as the Eskimo language has several words for "snow" the floral language may have several meanings for the same flower. I cannot point you to an "official" site nor guarantee the meaning of any one flower. Part of the interpretation of the language of flowers is the powerful emotions between the giver and the recipient. Sometimes even a simple dandelion picked from a lawn by a child can be the most powerful symbol of love to a mother. Buy her what she likes or her favorite color or a soft scented flower and perhaps the emotions behind the gift will give a new meaning in her mind and heart for this flower.