About 5 inches (13 cm) to 6 inches (15 cm) of water should do it. Make sure your bathtub or sink is free of grime and soaps before you fill it with water for the rose bath.

The diagonal angle allows the stem to take in more water. Cutting the stems under warm running water prevents air bubbles from stopping up the stem’s tissues responsible for taking in water. If you’re bathing the roses in the sink, use a different sink to recut them or, if possible, use the other side of the sink.

This may not revive your roses if they’re extremely wilted, especially if the neck shows any signs of shriveling. The idea is that the roses will absorb enough water to be revived.

It’s important to keep the vase clean so any bacteria doesn’t block the stems from taking in water. [6] X Expert Source Pilar ZunigaFloral Designer & Owner, Gorgeous and Green Expert Interview. 12 March 2020. If necessary, pour in about 1/4 cup (32 grams) of uncooked rice in the vase to help scrub down the sides.

The roses can take in warm water better than cold water. You can also make your own flower food by using 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons (29. 6 ml) (30 grams) of sugar for each 32 fluid ounces (950 mL) of water.

Make sure the roses are placed as vertically as possible to prevent the heads from drooping any further.

You don’t have to snip them under water, but it helps keep air bubbles out of stem and, as a result, increasing the amount of water the rose can absorb. [10] X Expert Source Pilar ZunigaFloral Designer & Owner, Gorgeous and Green Expert Interview. 12 March 2020. If the stems are super thick and woody, use a pair of sharp garden shears. Avoid using regular scissors or dull blades because they can crush the base of the stem and decrease how much water it can take in.

If your tap water is extra soft, you may want to use distilled water because soft water has higher sodium (which isn’t good for roses). To do a soak, fill up the vase with hot water and add 2 tablespoons (29. 6 ml) (30 grams) of baking soda and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of white vinegar. Let it sit for 1 to 2 hours before wiping the inside with a scrub brush or sponge.

Remove any leaves or petals that may have fallen into the water because they can release bacteria and plug up the stem. [14] X Expert Source Pilar ZunigaFloral Designer & Owner, Gorgeous and Green Expert Interview. 12 March 2020.

The amount of flower food you should use typically depends on the amount of water in the vase. Place an opened packet of flower food in a plastic zipper bag and store it in a cool, dry place.

If you live in an area with warm days and cool night, avoid placing your roses where the petals or foliage are touching a window. The hot and cool temperature of the glass can damage the leaves. Avoid putting the roses in a place where they’ll be exposed to direct sunlight, like a window sill. [18] X Expert Source Jeanne WalkerFlorist Expert Interview. 15 April 2020.

Once it’s uprooted, the plant will pop out of the ground and rest on its side. If you discover the roots of the plant are eaten away by pests, don’t worry—it may still live even with a few hairs of the root system left intact.

Think of this as a reset-button for the plant, cleansing it of any bacteria that may have infected the leaves and stems and caused the plant to suffer.

Soaking the roots will help rehydrate and reinvigorate the plant’s cells.

You can buy quality potting soil at any garden supply store or plant nursery. Some potting soil contain different minerals and vary in pH levels depending on the flowers they’re made for, so be sure to choose one that specifies it’s best or roses.

Make sure the soil is evenly distributed around the plant. Pat down the soil once you’re finished. If it doesn’t cover the root system, add more.

If you have a greenhouse, place the pot in there because it will provide some shade and the humidity will keep the soil nice and moist.

To avoid over-watering, pour in 32 fluid ounces (950 mL) of water at a time and let it settle through the soil so you can gauge how much more you need to add. If you see water trickling out of the base of the pot, the soil is fully saturated and you should stop watering.

Certain varieties of roses do better with less sun, so check which kind yours are to figure out the best spot for them.