Receiving a beautiful bouquet of flowers is one of the greatest gifts anyone can get, so, naturally, we want to do anything we can to make our fabulous blooms last as long as possible. Following flower care advice you heard while growing up, or information you found on the internet could do more harm than good to your fresh blooms. The flower experts here at Expressions Unlimited are setting the record straight for you. To keep your flowers fresh for as long as possible, we’re debunking some of the more common flower care myths we’ve come across. Keep reading to discover what you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to caring for your precious blooms.
Common Flower Care Myths to Avoid
Myth #1Putting a Penny in the Bottom of the Vase Keeps Flowers from Wilting
This myth originated with some truth to it. Before 1982, when pennies were made from copper (a natural fungicide) people added them to their floral vases and saw their blooms thrive for an extended period of time. However, pennies today are composed of zinc instead of copper and are crawling with germs and bacteria that prove to be harmful to your flowers.
Myth #2Allergy Sufferers Can’t Enjoy Flowers
When people say they are allergic to flowers, what they really mean is that the loose pollen in flowers stirs up allergy symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes. It is common for flowers that are pollinated via the wind or animals to have loose airborne pollen. These blooms include lilies, sunflowers, asters, and daisies. Blooms like hydrangea, peonies, pansies, roses, and orchids are insect-pollinated, meaning they do not contain loose pollen. These flowers are best for allergy sufferers as they rarely provoke allergy symptoms.
Myth #3Sugar or Lemonade Can Be Used as Flower Flood for Your Cut Stems
It is a big myth that lemonade, vodka, sugar, aspirin, or bleach will extend the vase life of your favorite flowers. These water additives, however, will increase the quick growth of bacteria, germs, and gunk that can rapidly kill your thriving blooms. The best way to ensure your fresh-cut flowers stay happy and healthy for as long as possible is by ensuring the stems are in clean, clear water and perhaps adding a little bit of official flower food to the water.
Myth #4Removing a Rose’s Guard Petals Will Make it Die Quicker
If you haven’t heard of guard petals, they are the outer petals on a rose that protect the bloom from physical harm. Consequently, guard petals on any rose are typically not that beautiful to admire. Luckily, the myth that removing these guard petals on roses will shorten their lifespan is just that, a myth! So, go ahead and carefully pluck off those outer petals and admire the gorgeous rose that lies underneath.
Myth #5Fresh-Cut Flowers Prefer a Sunny Location
When we were young, we were taught that flowers and plants need water, soil, and sunlight in order to thrive. What we may not have been taught as kids is that once flowers are cut and their soil is traded in for a vase of cool, clean water, they no longer require direct sunlight. In fact, direct sunlight can shorten the lifespan and vase life of your favorite blooms!
Bonus MythBananas Kill Flowers
If you have ever heard of this myth you may have also heard of the ethylene gas bananas and other fruit produce during the ripening process. In fact, this myth is not a myth but is true! Ethylene gas is detrimental to fresh flowers and has the ability to shorten their vase life. It’s okay to have a fruit bowl on the same counter as your floral arrangement, just be sure to put some space between them.
Forget all the old wives’ tales and internet myths about caring for flowers. The task is really quite simple. To keep your fresh-cut flowers healthy and vibrant for as long as possible, follow these simple steps:
- Remove any leaves and petals which fall below the waterline.
- Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle with each change of water.
- Change the water daily for the best results.
- Only use the packet of flower food from the florist.
- Keep flowers out of direct sunlight.
For more detailed information on how to care for flowers, visit our Flower Care Page.
Cut flowers that are cared for properly can last up to 10-12 days, so go ahead and brighten your home and your spirits with a beautiful arrangement of fresh blooms today.
