Common Flower Myths To Avoid
Flowers are a beautiful gift of nature that can bring an abundance of joy to our lives. However, many people have misconceptions about the proper care and handling of cut flowers. Ahead, we’ll explore common flower myths and provide accurate information to help you care for your blooms properly.
1. Sugar Can Be Used as Flower Flood for Your Cut Stems
Many people believe adding sugar or lemonade to the water in a flower vase can help extend the life of cut flowers. However, this isn’t true. While sugar can provide nutrients to flowers, it also encourages the growth of bacteria and fungi, which can lead to decay. Similarly, lemonade contains high levels of sugar and acid, which can be harmful to flowers. The best way to extend the life of cut flowers is to change the water every two days and add a floral preservative, which is designed to provide the necessary nutrients and prevent the growth of bacteria.
2. Putting a Coin in the Bottom of the Vase Prevents Wilting
Another common myth is that adding a coin to the bottom of a vase can prevent flowers from wilting. While copper is an essential micronutrient for plants, most coins do not contain enough copper to make a difference—in fact, some can be harmful to flowers. Instead of using coins, use a floral preservative to keep your flowers fresh and hydrated.
3. Fresh-Cut Flowers Prefer a Sunny Location
Many people believe placing cut flowers in a sunny location will help them thrive. However, this isn’t the case. While some flowers such as sunflowers require direct sunlight to grow, most cut flowers prefer a cool, shady location away from direct sunlight, drafts and heat sources. Placing cut flowers in direct sunlight can cause them to wilt and lose their colour quickly. It’s also important to keep cut flowers away from ripening fruit, which releases ethylene gas that can cause flowers to age prematurely.
4. Potting Soil Should Not Be Reused
It’s a common myth that potting soil shouldn’t be reused when transplanting houseplants into a larger container. However, most potting soil is composed of a peat moss mix that decomposes at a very slow rate, meaning it can still be used after the initial use. Reusing potting soil can save you money and reduce waste. When reusing soil, make sure to remove any debris or old roots and mix in some fresh soil to replenish the nutrients.
5. Cutting Flowers At An Angle
Many people believe cutting flowers at an angle will help them absorb water better, but this is a myth. Cutting the stems straight across is sufficient, although we recommend making the cut under running water to prevent air bubbles from forming in the stem.
6. Lilies Will Die if You Remove the Anthers
Many people believe lilies will die if you remove the anthers. However, this isn’t true. In fact, the anthers should be removed from lilies as their pollen is highly toxic to pets and can stain nearly anything it touches. Removing the anthers will also extend the life of the flowers.
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