Jul
07
2011

Why do Roses Wilt?

If I had a dollar for every time I got asked this question, I’d be comfortably living on a private island sipping champagne watching the sun rise and set!

There is only one answer………..the rose head wilts simply because the head for one reason or another is not getting water drawn up from the vase.

The reason for this varies and that is where we begin.

When a shipment of roses arrives in our shop the processing is a crucial part of the life span of the rose.  The buckets must be bacteria free, which means a good washing with special solution, hot water and a good scrubbing.  Then lukewarm water along with floral preservative is put in the bucket.  The rose leaves are stripped carefully so that no leaves will go below the water level. The thorns are removed and only once this has been done will the roses be given a cut at the bottom of the stems and immediately placed in the bucket.

Now that you know what goes into the processing of rose you still don’t know why the head wilts?? Right????  Remember I said the only reason is because the head is not getting water………here’s why…

Too much thorn was taken off the stem and air or dirt has gotten into the stem and a blockage has occurred.  This is why is it crucial that you fill you vase up to the lowest level where the foliage begins.  In other words, if you have too much stem not in water, air or dirt can get in and create a blockage.

Another reason is the rose was not re-cut when taken home so the bottom has sealed up like a scab and unless you re-cut it, it will never be able to draw up the water to the head.

If you think about it for a minute, it really makes sense…how can the rose get nourishment in the form of water if the stem is blocked????

Remember, always re-cut your stem!

If you’d like more information about wilting roses give our team a call at either one of our locations and we’ll be more than happy to assist you.