Water

• Keep the water clear of any leaves that will decay and cause bacteria. Change the water every two to three days or when it becomes cloudy looking.
  
  

Floral Preservative

• The little packet of floral preservative that the florist includes with your roses serves a number of purposes. It not only provides sugar for your flowers, but also lowers the pH of the water and prevents bacteria. For large vases, you may need extra packets.
  
  

Location

• Keep cut roses out of the sun and in a cool area. This keeps them from wilting and extends their lifespan. Do not place them in an area with a draft.
  
  

Cutting

• When cutting roses you want to avoid getting any air bubbles into the stems, as that will prevent water intake. The best way to cut them is underwater, placing them into a vase immediately. Every three to four days, cut the bottom 1 1/2 inches of the roses to prevent drooping blooms by opening the stem for water intake.