How to Slice an Orange Tulip

Orange tulips add beauty and vibrant color to a flower bed or lawn. When brought indoors, they brighten up a room and give off a fresh, calming aroma. Tulips, however, have notoriously short lifespans once the stems are sliced and the flower is moved to a new location. In most cases, a cut tulip may not even last for a week, according to horticulturist Ron Smith of the North Dakota State University Extension Service. Proper slicing and relocation techniques can keep tulips remain alive for several days.

Vase
Filtered water
Flower preservative
Rubbing alcohol
Razor blade

Instructions

- 1
  Watch the development of the orange tulip on a daily basis. The stem is ready to slice when the flower develops full color but has not yet bloomed.
- 2
  Prepare a vase with filtered water on the morning you plan to cut the flower. Mix in a flower preservative to prolong the life of the tulip. Flower preservatives are available at florist shops, and the mixing directions may differ between brands; read the label carefully.
- 3
  Carefully clean a razor blade with rubbing alcohol to kill any germs or bacteria. The razor blade should be as clean as possible to reduce the risk of damage to the exposed center of the tulip stem.
- 4
  Slice the tulip stem in the early morning. Cut at a 45-degree angle, between 8 and 12 inches below the flower head.
- 5
  Transfer the tulip directly to the vase.

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