Cut Flowers

[fly258]

I bought my missus a bunch of tulips and roses 5 days ago. Since then, the tulips have grown about 3 inches in length. Bearing in mind these flowers dont have any roots, how come they can grow?

[smudge]

I've done flower arranging & floristry courses, but have never come across that one before - well Tulips growing 3" in 5 days! Perhaps they had slightly wilted & straightened up in the fresh water. Or are you sure your 'missus' hasn't just changed the vase? :0}

[Clanad]

Unlike most flowers, tulips� stems continue to �grow� after cutting, often elongating up to two inches in arrangements. Fresh cut tulips often curve upwards and bend toward sources of light--resulting in unique, ever-changing arrangements.With proper care, tulips will open and last from three to seven days. They prefer cool room temperatures, so keep them away from sources of heat...

[nrmatth]

I had a cut rose start growing more leaves once too.  Roots are mostly for transmitting nutrients to the stem, so I suppose if the stem is directly in the water it can absorb enough to susstain growth for a short time.