Top 7 Methods Examined for Prolonging Cut Flower Life, With a Standout Technique Emerging
Blooming Beyond Expectations:
Gorgeous, vibrant bouquets, a delight to the eyes, are ubiquitous in homes, from the humble grocery store pickups to expensive florist arrangements. These colorful bursts of nature not only brighten up spaces but also uplift our spirits, all for much less than a psychotherapist or interior designer's fee. Yet, when stems droop and petals wither, the question lingers: was it worth it in the end? By trial and error, we determined the best tricks to keep the beloved tulip blooming longer.
This transformation is based on the April 2023 issue of "Simplify Your Life," authored by Karen Lee, with additional insights by Mia Chen. We're sharing it as part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, and because the information is still as useful today as it was then
Battle-Tested Strategies for Everlasting Blooms
Our seven test bouquets all started out the same: on Day One, their stems were trimmed, and they were placed in identical vases. The vases contained the same 36 ounces of fresh, room-temperature water (except for one vase, which had an additive claimed to extend longevity). As the week progressed, we maintained the water level consistently. Here's a rundown of their journeys.
Aspirin
The Claim: Aspirin increases the acidity of the water, aiding the flow of water up the stem
- Day 1: One 325-milligram aspirin tablet is dropped into the water
- Day 4: Drooping petals and tired stems made it clear that they wouldn't last much longer. Another tablet was added to the water.
- Day 7: Over half the petals had fallen off.
The Verdict: A painful decision. Aspirin may keep illnesses at bay, but it doesn't save our floral friends.
Listerine Antiseptic
The Claim: Kills bacteria, just like it does plaque and bad breath.
- Day 1: A capful of mouthwash went into the water
- Day 4: Stems were mostly upright, and the tulips began to open.
- Day 7: Heads in Every Direction! This group seemed to be heading in any direction they pleased.
The Verdict: Not a reason to smile.
A Penny
The Claim: Copper from the penny acts as a natural antibacterial agent
- Day 1: A penny was added to the water
- Day 4: Flowers started to open and a deep orange color was still prominent. However, the stems were droopy.
- Day 7: The stems were dancing, but the blooms spread out in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
The Verdict: The penny seemed to slow the blooming process, but the blooms that did appear were breathtaking before they wilted quickly.
Bleach
The Claim: Prevents mold, which could potentially kill flowers
- Day 1: A capful of bleach was added to the water
- Day 4: White stems dominated the bouquet, but the vibrant tangerine tulips still stood tall.
- Day 7: No mold was found, but the stems were now completely white, with somewhat yellowing petals.
The Verdict: A tie ending. The whites stood strong, but their color didn't.
Fresh Water
The Claim: Clean water will contain fewer bacteria
- Day 1: The ends were trimmed by 1/4 inch, just as every day, and the vase was filled with fresh water daily.
- Day 4: The stems were still relatively upright, with healthy blooms.
- Day 7: A few blooms were discarded, but the bouquet still showed some life when rearranged.
The Verdict: Looked wonderful at first, but lost blooms rapidly after Day 4.
Sugar
The Claim: Duplicates the sugar rush during photosynthesis, helping flowers. However, it increases the risk of bacterial growth.
- Day 1: One teaspoon of sugar was added to the water.
- Day 4: Save for one limp stem, most of the bouquet seemed solid. Another packet of sugar was added to the water.
- Day 7: Flowers bloomed and curled, but remained largely intact.
The Verdict: Uneven blooming and splayed stems. However, the flowers survived relatively well.
Flower Food
The Claim: Contains a biocide to kill bacteria, an acidifier to assist stems in absorbing water, and sugar to nourish the blooms.
- Day 1: One tablespoon from the packet was mixed into the water.
- Day 4: Consumed more water than any other bouquet and maintained healthy, beautiful blooms. Additional flower food was added on Day 5.
- Day 7: The full bouquet maintained a soft, dramatic droop, but it was still the best among the bunch.
The Verdict: Undisputed Champion! Flower food can be found at florist shops, or you can make your own.
10 Pro Tips for Blooms that Last
- Treat cut flowers like ice cream: grab them only when you're rushing home
- Ensure clean vases and tools: mold can speed up the decaying process in flowers (make sure everything is well rinsed, too, as soap can change the pH of the water)
- Remove leaves below the waterline: they foster bacterial growth that hampers water circulation
- Forget cutting underwater: having your vase ready is all you need to maximize the stems' life span
- Smash the stems of woody blooms: hydrangeas, lilacs, and others absorb water more easily if you do
- Cold water is better for flower bulbs
- Daffodils, beware! They produce sap that gums up other stems, so soak them separately first if you plan to mix them with others
- Force unopened flowers to bloom instantly by placing them in warm tap water
- Revive wilted flowers, especially roses, by soaking them in cool water for a few hours
- Keep flowers away from electronic devices like TVs and avoid them being in direct sunlight or exposed to hot or cold drafts for extended periods.
- Maintaining a vibrant indoor garden can be a rewarding addition to one's home lifestyle, as house plants and flowers bring life and beauty into one's home.
- For those interested in gardening, Real Simple magazine offers practical tips to ensure one's bouquets last longer, which can make a positive contribution to one's home-and-garden routine.
- One of the tested methods includes the use of flower food, which contains a biocide to kill bacteria, an acidifier to assist stems in absorbing water, and sugar to nourish the blooms, resulting in blooms that last longer.
- The authentic 10-point guide from the archives of Real Simple magazine contains useful tips such as maintaining clean vases and tools, removing leaves below the waterline, and keeping flowers away from electronic devices, all of which contribute to a more realsimple lifestyle and prolong the beauty of one's home-and-garden arrangements.
