Caring for Flowers



Colonial Flower Shop of Ronkonkoma suggests that you follow these important care instructions to ensure that your flowers stay happy and healthy longer!

The first 24 hours is the most crucial period, affecting the longevity of your flowers as flowers absorb half the water they require to survive during this time.

All Flowers

Recut all stems approximately 3-4cm before putting in clean water
Keep flowers in a cool place away from drafts
Keep flowers away from heaters, televisions and microwaves
Keep flowers away from fruit as it releases a gas called ethylene, which accelerates the ageing process of flowers
Use flower food preservative with each water change(it's ok to use half the package each time)


Roses

Remove the water pouches(aka water vials) from the flower stem ends
Remove any foliage (leaves) that will sit below the water line in the vase
Cut the stems on an angle with a pair of sharp scissors about 3-4cm off the bottom of each stem – this will enable the roses to drink properly from the water – do not break or flatten the stems
Ensure the vase you use is completely clean
Use tepid water – at this temperature oxygen is drawn up more easily through the stems
Add the flower preservative – one sachet or half per ½ litre of water
Change the water in the vase every second day
2 days after delivery, remove 2 or 3 outer petals on the roses to allow newer and fresher petals to come through
If roses start to droop, wrap head with paper so rose stands straight up, secure with a rubberband, re-cut stems and add ice cubes to clean water

Tulips

Recut stems on an angle every 3 days.
Tulips like dirty water!
They don’t like flower preservatives.
Tulips generally grow towards the light.
They don’t always grow upright and have a natural bend or ‘droop’.
Tulips really do continue to grow once they have been cut.
Add pennies to the water to make the tulpis stand straight up if you like that look.


Gerberas

Recut stem on an angle
Gerberas prefer minimal water (approx. 5cm deep) as this prevents soggy stems
Tiny pinprick at the top of the stem just below the head may prevent drooping
Add flower preservative


Lilies

Prefer well-lit areas
To prevent staining of clothing or furniture, remove stamens (the little seeds inside the lily) as soon as lilies
open, as they are not powdery at this stage
Add flower preservative


Hydrangea

Split stems across the bottom as opposed to cutting them on an angle
Boil some water in a pan, and take off the heat once it has boiled. Dip 2cm of the stems into the water for 5 seconds only
You may Spray heads with cold water or immerse under cold water when weather is very hot/dry – this should be done preferably in the morning or at night
Woody stemmed flowers such as these should only be used in bouquets as they cannot absorb water in oasis


Irises

Recut stems on an angle daily
Add flower preservative
Change water daily



Singapore Orchids

Recut stems on an angle daily
Orchids do not need flower preservative
Orchids love to be kept in cool areas without heating
Keep all flowers above the water line

Natives

Recut stems on an angle daily
Natives do not like flower preservative
Change water daily
Natives can be kept in hot or cold conditions