I found one I have been using. In 2 quarts warm water dissolve 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon bleach. It works pretty well.

I also found these for you

* Add one part lemon-lime soda (not diet) to 3 parts water. Then to each quart of this solution, add 1/4 teaspoon bleach. Thereafter, add 1/4 teaspoon bleach after each 4 days of use.
* To 1 quart water add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon bleach.
* Add 2 ounces Listerine mouthwash per gallon of water. Listerine contains sucrose (food) and a bactericide. Listerine is acidic and is said help water move up the cut stem.

Cut Flower Preservative Recipe #1

* 2 cups lemon-lime carbonated beverage (e.g., Sprite or 7-UpÂ)
* 1/2 teaspoon household chlorine bleach
* 2 cups warm water

Cut Flower Preservative Recipe #2

* 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon household chlorine bleach
* 1 quart warm water

Cut Flower Preservative Recipe #3

* 2 tablespoons white vinegar
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon household chlorine bleach
* 1 quart warm water

I haven't tried any of these though.

I haven't needed to use bleach with the lemon-lime soda, the citric acid keeps the water clean enough. Bleach & sugar, yes.

Also, make sure to remove any leaves that would be below the water line in the vase. Leaves decompose quickly and the bacteria makes the water dirty.

Change the water in the vase every 3 days or so, and reclip the ends of the stems under water before putting the stems in the new water.

An article I read some while ago recommended a dash of gin.

I've not tried it, because I loathe gin, and so don't have any.
But Diane's other suggestions are probably half the battle.

Also -- some roses have better vase life than others.

Jeri

Thanks for the great tips!

I asked the florist at our local shop what I can do to feed the roses and make it last longer .. She told me to put the roses in a vase which contains 2 liter water,4 teaspoons sugar(any),1 teaspoon vinigar(any) and 1 teaspoon Jik.. hope it helps !!*