Exploding flower myths

 

For the New Year, I thought this would be a good time we debunk some of the myths 

and beliefs about flowers and flower care. 

No doubt, great-grandma passed along lots of old wives tales and supposed facts, 

and these have dutifully followed down through the ages. It's a new year, and time for some hard truths!

When you receive a floral arrangement from your florist, those flowers will have been properly "processed"...meaning they followed the cold chain to maintain freshness. 

Once they arrive at the flower shop, they will receive a fresh cut,
allowing fresh cool water and floral food to once again flow through the stems. 
It's also important to change the water in the vase every few days,
and recut the stems with a clean, sharp knife.
(Not scissors!)
Remember to keep floral arrangements out of direct sun,
and away from extreme heat and cold.


Now, let's take a look at some of these old-wives tales...

 

ASPIRIN:  

This substance will stop the flower from forming it's own defense against the cut that was made on its stem.

BLEACH: 

While it's true controlling the bacteria levels in your flower vase is important, adding bleach to the flower water will also increase the pH level of the water, so the benefits will be far outweighed.

 

LEMON JUICE: 

Salt levels in water contribute to browning foliage, 

as well as reducing the amount of water that the stems can uptake.

 

SUGAR: 

One of the primary needs of a flower, sugar is an important component of a flower's life. 

But too much sugar speeds up the development of bacteria, and bacteria is deadly to flowers.

 

PENNIES: 

 Though pennies are composed of some of the elements that flowers need to develop, 

they are also covered in bacteria, and that will speed the demise of your flowers!

 

LEMON-LIME SODAS: 

As sugar is a prime ingredient in sodas, adding this to your flower water will have the same effect
as straight sugar , which is to increase the amount of bacteria in the water.

Have questions about flower care and handling?
Call or email us anytime!

Bloomers Floral Design

122 South Front St.

Wilmington, NC 28401

910-815-8585

www.bloomerswilmington.com

bloomersflorist@yahoo.com