Care & Handling – Rio Roses https://www.rioroses.com Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:30:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.rioroses.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cropped-Rioroses-favicon-32x32.jpg Care & Handling – Rio Roses https://www.rioroses.com 32 32 Valentine’s Roses put your best foot forward! https://www.rioroses.com/valentines-roses-put-your-best-foot-forward/ Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:29:18 +0000 https://www.rioroses.com/?p=45327 Although Valentine’s Day peak can be a hectic and stressful period, it’s also the one of only times of the year many consumers will purchase flowers. Bearing this in mind, it really should be used as an opportunity to over-perform and ensure each bouquet or arrangement is the best it can possibly be.

Therefore, it is advised to purchase the best quality roses you can, from a known and trusted grower, and be sure to treat each stem correctly to ensure the best consumer experience.

By going above and beyond on Valentine’s Day, you have the best chance of securing repeat sales through the rest of the year. Be sure to send your customers home with FloraLife® Flower Food packets and know-how! Proper care and handling and educating customers will not only give your customers an amazing experience but have them coming back to you when it’s time to buy roses again!

CONTEST

Send us a picture of your Rose arrangement(s) at marketing@floralife.com for a chance to win our Fresh-Cut Flower Care Kit. We will announce the winner on Monday February 2nd, 2026.

CARE & HANDLING

PROCESSING FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT

• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner.
• If received dry packed, conditioning of stem ends is recommended to prevent blockage and promote uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Place flowers in a flower food holding solution such as FloraLife® Express Ultra 200. Do not put flowers directly in metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, high-quality water that has not been treated with a water softener.
• Store in a cooler at 34 – 38° F (1- 3° C) with 75 – 85% relative humidity.
• Allow minimum 2 hours to hydrate placing buckets in an area with good airflow.
• Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating flowers.
• Spray FloraLife® Finishing Touch on every bouquet, boutonniere or arrangement to lock in moisture.

VASE CARE

• Remove any leaves that will be below the water line.
• If received dry, cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Immediately place flowers in properly dosed vase solution (flower food and water) containing FloraLife Crystal Clear® (the perfect solution for clear vases), or FloraLife® Express 300 (the no-cut premium solution).

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

• Although not necessary, some Florists may choose to remove the guard petals for aesthetic reasons. To remove them, simply hold each petal firmly and give them a gentle tug to remove.
• Red roses may develop darkened petal edges due to temperature and sunlight conditions during growth. This is natural process that can happen during this time of year, and does not affect quality or vase life.

We would like to hear your opinion on the selected variety provided by Plantec. Please send us an email to marketing@equiflor.com and share your feedback!

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THE PERFECT FLOWERS FOR ANY DÉCOR MOOD! https://www.rioroses.com/the-perfect-flowers-for-any-decor-mood/ Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:00:38 +0000 https://www.rioroses.com/?p=45115 Whether you’re a traditionalist when it comes to home décor, or like to create less conventional arrangements, you can count on Oriental and LA Lilies to add texture and the perfect color. From dazzling whites to pastel pinks, and deep reds there’s a lily to suit all moods. With a typical vase life of around ten days, they pair well with long lived winter greens.

CONTEST!

Send us a picture of your Oriental & LA Lilies arrangement(s) at marketing@floralife.com for a chance to win our Fresh-Cut Flower Care Kit. We will announce the winner on January 5th, 2026.

CARE AND HANDLING INFORMATION

PURCHASING

• For Oriental and LA Lilies, choose stems with lower blooms showing full color, and on the verge of opening.

RE-HYDRATION AT STORE LEVEL & STORAGE

• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with FloraLife® D.C.D.® cleaner.
• If received dry packed, conditioning of stem ends is recommended to prevent blockage and promote uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Place flowers in a holding treatment such as FloraLife® Clear 200 or FloraLife® Express Ultra 200. Do not put flowers directly in metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, high-quality water that has not been treated with a water softener as the salt levels can be damaging to flowers.
• Store in a cooler at 34 – 38° F with a relative humidity of 75-85%
• Allow minimum 2 hours to hydrate placing buckets in an area with good airflow.
• Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating flowers.

VASE CARE

• Remove any leaves that might be below the vase solution.
• Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife. If received dry, treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Immediately place flowers in vase solution containing either FloraLife Crystal Clear® (the perfect choice for clear vases) or FloraLife® Express 300 (the no-cut needed solution).
• Keep away from direct sunlight and ripening produce.

COMMON DEFECTS:

• Poor opening if cut too green.
• To prevent bud drop or drying, insist that your supplier/ grower treats with an ethylene action inhibitor treatment such as EthylBloc™.
• For premature leaf yellowing, use an anti-yellowing treatment at farm level after harvest, such as FloraLife® Bulb 100 in Colombia.
• Pollen sheds stain whatever they touch. Remove them when the flower opens.

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CARNATIONS RE-DISCOVER AN OLD FAVORITE! https://www.rioroses.com/carnations-re-discover-an-old-favorite/ Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:18:49 +0000 https://www.rioroses.com/?p=44548 Carnations have long been a staple of the floral industry, but far from being old-fashioned, these beauties have experienced a revival thanks to the new varieties that are available in subtler color palettes than their predecessors.

If you haven’t already, take a look at varieties like ‘Hypnosis’, and ‘Antigua Antique’ which prove carnations are any but old-fashioned.

CONTEST!

Send us a picture of your Carnation arrangement(s) at marketing@floralife.com for a chance to win our Fresh-Cut Flower Care Kit. We will announce the winner on December1st, 2025.

CARE AND HANDLING INFORMATION

PURCHASING

• For Standard Carnations, choose stems with closed heads but showing full color, and ¾ to fully open.
• For Spray Carnations, choose stems with closed buds, showing some color on lower buds.

RE-HYDRATION AT STORE LEVEL & STORAGE

• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner.
• If received dry packed, conditioning of stem ends is recommended to prevent blockage and promote uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Place flowers in a holding solution such as FloraLife® Express Ultra 200. Do not put flowers directly in metal/ galvanized buckets. Use clean, high-quality water that has not been treated with a water softener as salt levels can damage flowers.
• Store in a cooler at 34 – 38° F (1-3C).
• Allow minimum 2 hours to hydrate placing buckets in an area with good airflow.
• Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating Carnations or other flowers.

VASE CARE

• Remove any leaves that might be below the vase solution.
• If received dry, cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Immediately place flowers in properly dosed vase solutions (flower food and water) containing FloraLife Crystal Clear® (the perfect solution for clear vases), or FloraLife® Express 300 (the no-cut premium solution).

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Anemones: Autumnal Opulence https://www.rioroses.com/anemones-autumnal-opulence/ Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:31:41 +0000 https://www.rioroses.com/?p=44078 With their luscious velvety petals, no other flower delivers opulence quite like Anemones. Gloriously drenched in colour, whether it be flagrant pink, or urbane Bordeaux, these blooms are sure to be the focus of any autumnal arrangement.

CONTEST!

Send us a picture of your Anemones arrangement(s) at marketing@floralife.com for a chance to win our Fresh-Cut Flower Care Kit. We will announce the winner on November1st, 2025.

CARE AND HANDLING INFORMATION

PURCHASING

• Anemones can be ethylene sensitive. Use suppliers that treat with an ethylene action inhibitor such as EthylBloc™ or FloraLife® EthylGuard at farm level to protect against exposure.
• Do not place near products that produce ethylene.
• Choose strong stems with closed or slightly open flowers.
• Inspect for bruising and botrytis.

RE-HYDRATION AT STORE LEVEL & STORAGE

• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner.
• Dry packed stems should be conditioned to prevent blockage and promote uptake. Cut stems approx. 1+” using clean, sanitized clippers or knife. Treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Place flowers in a holding solution such as FloraLife® Express Ultra 200. Do not put flowers directly in metal/ galvanized buckets. Use clean, high-quality water that has not been treated with a water softener as salt levels can damage flowers.
• Store in a cooler at 34 – 38° F (1-3C).
• Allow minimum 2 hours to hydrate placing buckets in an area with good airflow.
• Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating Anemones or other flowers.

VASE CARE

• Remove any leaves that might be below the vase solution.
• If received dry, cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Place immediately into properly dosed vase solution (water and either FloraLife Crystal Clear® or FloraLife® Express 300 Flower Food).
• Keep away from direct sunlight and fruits.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

• Causes for poor vase life: cut stage, product age, or storing dry for long periods.
• Opening speed is fast and vase life relatively short.
• If designing in foam, use Oasis® Maxlife foam to reduce potential burn. Check water levels of foam often to be sure flowers stay hydrated.
• Anemones are susceptible to stem bending; may benefit from upright shipment.
• Prone to mechanical damage, stems and blooms are very delicate. Bunches should be secure but not strapped tightly. Do not overpack to allow good airflow.

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Marigolds A FESTIVAL FLOWER TO FALL FOR! https://www.rioroses.com/marigolds-a-festival-flower-to-fall-for/ Fri, 19 Sep 2025 16:15:30 +0000 https://www.rioroses.com/?p=43563 Known as the ‘Flor de Muerto’, marigolds are believed to guide the souls of the dead back to their families, and it’s no surprise that these gloriously bright blooms serve as a beacon to reunite loved ones. Available in two beautiful shades of gold and yellow, they are perfect for any autumnal arrangement.

CONTEST!

Send us a picture of your Marigolds arrangement(s) at marketing@floralife.com for a chance to win our Fresh-Cut Flower Care Kit. We will announce the winner on October 1st, 2025.

CARE AND HANDLING INFORMATION

RE-HYDRATION AT STORE LEVEL

• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner.
• If received dry packed, conditioning of stem ends is recommended to prevent blockage and promote uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Place flowers in a flower food holding solution such as FloraLife® Express 200. Do not put flowers directly in metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, high-quality water that has not been treated with a water softener.
• Store in a cooler at 34 – 38° F with 75 – 85% relative humidity.
• Allow minimum 2 hours to hydrate placing buckets in an area with good airflow.
• Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating Marigolds or any other flowers.

VASE CARE

• Remove foliage that would be below the flower food
• Solution level.
• If received dry, cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Immediately place flowers in properly dosed vase solutions (flower food and water) containing FloraLife Crystal Clear® Flower Food (the perfect solution for clear vases), or FloraLife® Express 300 Flower Food (the no-cut premium solution).

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

If foliage has been removed, Marigolds should be stored wet. Marigolds are especially susceptible to early wilting if exposed to drafts or excessive heat, so make sure you advise your customers to keep them away from air vents, fans, radiators, television sets and windows exposed to full sun.

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Cloni Ranunculus Blousy, Beautiful, & Always Classy! https://www.rioroses.com/cloni-ranunculus-blousy-beautiful-always-classy/ Fri, 15 Aug 2025 15:37:20 +0000 https://www.rioroses.com/?p=42543 Typically considered a spring flower, Ranunculus, which are known for their beautiful profusions of petals, are actually available year-round. In particular, Cloni Ranunculus, are renowned for their superior quality, larger blooms, and thicker, stronger stems.

So, if you already love Ranunculus, and haven’t yet met a Cloni variety, then you’ll be blown away as these flowers are next level stunning!

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!

Think you’re a Ranunculus care expert? Take our quality quiz and find out! Winner will be selected and announced on September 1st.

Scan QR code or enter https://qrco.de/RanunculusQuiz in your browser. Good Luck!

CARE TIPS

HYDRATION & STORAGE

• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner.
• Received dry pack? Condition stem ends to prevent blockage, promote uptake. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, cut 1”+, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Place flowers in a holding treatment such as FloraLife® Express 200. Do not put flowers directly in metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, high-quality water untreated with a water softener as salt levels can be damaging to flowers.
• Store at 34-38° F (1-3° C) with a relative humidity of 75-85%.
• Allow a minimum of 2 hours to hydrate, place buckets in area with good airflow.
• Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating flowers.

VASE CARE

• Remove any leaves that might be below the vase solution.
• Cut 1” +. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife. If received dry, treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Immediately place flowers in vase solution containing FloraLife Crystal Clear® or FloraLife® Express 300 Flower Food.
• Allow 4+ hours to hydrate.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

• Ranunclus best hydrate with shipping sleeve intact to support blooms.
• Avoid getting water on blooms, Ranunculus can be prone to botrytis if wet.
• Ranunculus are ethylene sensitive; insist your supplier treats with an ethylene action inhibitor such as EthylBloc™ to protect against exposure. Do not store or display near ripening produce or products that produce ethylene.
• Ranunculus are naturally bendy and hollow stems are delicate, hold upside down when handling to prevent breakage.

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Delphinium Blue Spires of Summer! https://www.rioroses.com/delphinium-blue-spires-of-summer/ Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:19:42 +0000 https://www.rioroses.com/?p=42347 Delphiniums are one of the few naturally occurring true blue flowers, and what a delight they are! Adding these stems to any arrangement is the perfect way to re-create a summer garden indoors.

Available in shades of indigo, sky blue, and white, these magnificent spires are not only a pleasure to work with, they are a guaranteed mood lifter by bringing the outdoors inside.

CONTEST

Send us a picture of your Delphinium arrangement(s) at marketing@floralife.com for a chance to win our Fresh-Cut Flower Care Kit. We will announce the winner on Monday August 11th, 2025.

CARE & HANDLING INFORMATION

PURCHASING

• Remove any leaves that might be below the vase/bucket solution.
• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner.
• If received dry packed, conditioning of stem ends is recommended to prevent blockage and promote uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Place flowers in a flower food solution such as FloraLife Crystal Clear® or FloraLife® Express 300. Do not put flowers directly in metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, high-quality water that has not been treated with a water softener as the salt levels can be damaging to flowers.
• Store in a cooler at 34 – 38° F with a relative humidity of 75-85%
• Allow minimum 2 hours to hydrate placing buckets in an area with good airflow.
• Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating flowers.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and ripening produce.

COMMON DEFECTS

Delphiniums are ethylene sensitive. Flowers can shatter prematurely as a result. Source from growers who pre-treat against ethylene.

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Spray Rose Exploring New Varieties! https://www.rioroses.com/spray-rose-exploring-new-varieties/ Wed, 18 Jun 2025 14:20:14 +0000 https://www.rioroses.com/?p=42107 Choosing the right variety of any flower is a vital floristry skill, and trying out new ones is the fun and interesting part of developing this skill.
With that in mind, be sure to check out two new varieties of Baby Rio spray roses, the stunning white ‘Jeanine’ and glowing light pink ‘Rosenella’, both of which are sure to become popular event flowers in no time.

So stay ahead of the curve and get to know these two stunners as soon as possible.

CONTEST

Send us a picture of your Spray Rose arrangement(s) at marketing@floralife.com for a chance to win our Fresh-Cut Flower Care Kit. We will announce the winner on Monday July 14th, 2025.

CARE & HANDLING

• Remove any leaves that might be below the vase/bucket solution.
• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner.
• If received dry packed, conditioning of stem ends is recommended to prevent blockage and promote uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
• Place flowers in a flower food solution such as FloraLife Crystal Clear® or FloraLife® Express 300. Do not put flowers directly in metal/ galvanized buckets. Use clean, high-quality water that has not been treated with a water softener as the salt levels can be damaging to flowers.
• Store in a cooler at 34 – 38° F with a relative humidity of 75-85%
• Allow minimum 2 hours to hydrate placing buckets in an area with good airflow.
• Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating flowers.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and ripening produce.

COMMON DEFECTS

Florets dropping/wilting prematurely, poor opening, and leaf yellowing. This may be associated with ethylene sensitivity. Make sure you source from a supplier who treat stems with an ethylene action inhibitor such as EthylBloc™.

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Roses the Wedding Belle! https://www.rioroses.com/roses-the-wedding-belle/ Fri, 30 May 2025 15:22:50 +0000 https://www.rioroses.com/?p=41909 Whatever a Bride’s chosen style or color theme, you are guaranteed to find a rose that fits the brief perfectly! From classic white roses to blousy pastel garden roses, or profusions of miniature spray roses, the variety of choice is endless.

In addition to their beauty, treated correctly, roses are remarkably robust, making them perfect for bouquets and boutonnieres that last all day out of water.
So, for a stress-free wedding season, be sure to introduce your brides to the beauty and versatility of roses.

CONTEST

Send us a picture of your Rose arrangement(s) at marketing@floralife.com for a chance to win our Fresh-Cut Flower Care Kit. We will announce the winner on Monday June 13th, 2025.

CARE & HANDLING

VASE CARE

The outer petals of roses tend to be quite different from the inner petals, these are known as ‘Guard Petals’ and are a naturally occurring part of the rose. Many florists choose to remove the guard petals for aesthetic reasons, but they can also add a naturalistic element if left untouched. To remove them, simply hold each petal firmly and give them a gently tug to remove.

If open roses are required, order them to arrive 3-5 days before the event. Unpack roses on arrival and place them in a flower solution in a container that allows plenty of space between the heads. Store in ambient temperatures until desired open stage is achieved, then return to cooler until needed.

Remove any leaves that will be below the water line.

If received dry, cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.

Immediately place flowers in properly dosed vase solutions (flower food and water) containing FloraLife Crystal Clear® (the perfect solution for clear vases), or FloraLife® Express 300 (the no-cut premium solution).

Spray FloraLife® Finishing Touch on every bouquet or arrangement to lock in moisture. For Boutonnieres, corsages and bride’s bouquets, we recommend spraying with FloraLife® Clear Crowning Glory®. It adds a clear coating to flowers, stems, and foliage to reduce water loss of floral arrangements that have no access to water.solution).

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Carnations a Mother’s Day Favorite! https://www.rioroses.com/carnations-a-mothers-day-favorite/ Wed, 16 Apr 2025 21:10:38 +0000 https://www.rioroses.com/?p=41112 Carnations are one of the oldest cultivated flowers in the world, but are definitely not old fashioned or passé. Today’s new varieties of Carnations are as varied as Moms are. From traditional soft pastels to bright vibrant hues, and everything in between, you’re sure to find a Carnation that perfectly suits your Mom’s personality.

CONTEST

Send us a picture of your Carnation arrangement(s) at marketing@floralife.com for a chance to win our Fresh-Cut Flower Care Kit. We will announce the winner on Monday May 12th, 2025.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

CARE & HANDLING

PURCHASING

For standard Carnations, choose stems with closed heads but showing full color, and ¾ to fully open.

For spray Carnations, choose stems with closed buds, showing some color on lower buds.

PROCESSING FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT

Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner.

If received dry packed, conditioning of stem ends is recommended to prevent blockage and promote uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.

Place flowers in a flower food holding solution such as FloraLife® Express Ultra 200. Do not put flowers directly in metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, high-quality water that has not been treated with a water softener.

Store in a cooler at 34 – 38° F (1- 3° C) with 75 – 85% relative humidity.

Allow minimum 2 hours to hydrate placing buckets in an area with good airflow.

Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating flowers.

VASE CARE

Remove any leaves that might be below the vase solution.

If received dry, cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.

Immediately place flowers in properly dosed vase solutions (flower food and water) containing FloraLife Crystal Clear® (the perfect solution for clear vases), or FloraLife® Express 300 (the no-cut premium solution).

WWW.FLORALIFE.COM

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