Has anyone heard of putting fresh flowers in very hot water in order for them to open fully and last longer?

Question

I was at a very fine restaurant friday nite and I saw the most beautiful white fully opened roses I'd ever seen! The receptionist told us they were called "faith" and that they use a special technique to open them fully and make them live longer. She said they put them in very hot water and it opens them immidiately? I just don't believe that! Besides, I looked for that special white rose using that name on the internet and didn't find anything close to a rose by that name. I don't think she knew what she was talking about. Any feedback, guys?

Answer 1

If roses have wilted because they have been out of water too long or because the stems were not cut underwater soon enough and the stem ends have become clogged, hot water will revive them faster than cold water. The reason is that stems absorb hot water more quickly. Keep in mind that water moves up the stem more rapidly when cut flowers are placed in slightly acidic water.

Quite often, you'll see cut roses drooping at their necks (right below the buds). A simple way to revive them is to cut about an inch off the bottom of the stems and place them immediately in very hot water. You should start to see the roses revive after 30 minutes or so.

(Flowers that are soft-stemmed wouldn't be able to withstand the hot water and they would probably be damaged)

A COUPLE OF HELPFUL HINTS TO PROLONG CUT FLOWERS:

Water for cut flowers is best if it is slightly acidic because acid breaks up air bubbles in water by neutralizing the carbon dioxide gas. Air bubbles can clog stems and prevent water from reaching the flowers and foliage.

IF you aren't able to use the florist preservatives, you can mix up your own by;
A) Mixing any clear citrus-based soft drink (such as 7-Up or Sprite but NOT DIET) with three parts water + 1/2 teaspoon of bleach (to prevent the formation of algae which can plug up stems and keeps them from absorbing water)

OR

B) Mix 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon sugar, and l/2 teaspoon household bleach in 1 quart of water.

You should change the water in the vase every day and try to cut off the bottom of the stem (at a 45-degree angle) underwater each time.


Hope this answered your question! GOOD LUCK with your cut roses and enjoy!

- Certified Professional Crop Consultant with a Degree in Plant Science

Answer 2

I have always been told and read that you are supposed to re-cut the flowers about 1 inch from where they were originally cut put them in luke warm water with either the fresh cut flower food that comes with them or a mixture of warm water 1 teaspoon sugar and 1 teaspoon chlorine bleach also changing the water every couple of days is supposed to help them last longer too. i think that putting them in hot water would just do more harm to them than good.

Answer 3

Yes I have! Although I was told warm water, but maybe hot water makes them open even quicker. Just this past weekend, we held our annual Colonial Tea at our church, (our 101st!!), and we set up beautiful tables with our finest dishes and tableclothes. One woman bought some beautiful purple flowers for her centerpiece still in the budding stage the night before the tea. By the next afternoon, many were in full bloom and just gorgeous. So it does work!!

Answer 4

I don't know about that but I do know what keeps them longer i use this method when ever i get flower's take the vase put cold water in it and get some gingerale and pour at least half a bottle in it and the flower's last those few extra days longer and keeps them healthy and looking good you should try it it's no lie!!!

Answer 5

I don't know whether the hot water helps, but I do know you can put cut flowers in lemonade or mineral water to make them last longer. Water with a dissolved asprin also works.