With spring in full bloom, many of us are filling our homes with beautiful flowers, but not all flower care tips are legitimate. Various myths, such as putting a penny in water or using aspirin in flower water, have circulated online. Some popular trends, like using lemon-lime soda or cutting stem underwater, are actually more like placebos, according to Justin Leviano, product and floral design manager with Urban Stems in Manhattan. These hacks may not be as effective as they claim, and may actually harm your flowers. It is important to be cautious when trying out new tips and tricks for caring for your flowers.
One of the latest viral hacks involves cutting flower stems underwater to minimize the amount of time that the flower spends out of water after being cut. This allows the flower to hydrate properly. Leviano also addressed the trend of smashing woody stems like hydrangeas, suggesting instead to cut the stem at an angle and then in half to allow water to soak in effectively. For hydrangeas specifically, soaking the top in room-temperature water can help the flower hydrate through its petals. Leviano recommends blotting the flowers dry with a paper towel after soaking them, as it is more effective than simply misting the flower.
Other hacks, such as placing a penny in water to help tulips stand up straight, are actually based on false assumptions. Tulips will straighten up on their own once they are hydrated, so placing a penny in water is unnecessary and may introduce contaminants that can harm the flowers. Similarly, using aspirin in flower water for its antibacterial properties may not have any proven results. Leviano stresses the importance of fresh, clean water, cutting stems at angles, and using flower food to maximize the life of fresh flowers. Flower food can help minimize bacterial growth in the water, provide nutrition to the flowers, and encourage them to bloom open.
Ultimately, the extra care that goes into keeping fresh flowers alive may be worth it for the beauty and enrichment they bring to our lives. Leviano believes that having fresh flowers in the home can provide a sense of beauty, nourishment, and enjoyment. It serves as a reminder to stop and appreciate the simple things in life. While caring for flowers can require some effort, the value they bring to our lives makes it worthwhile. Leviano emphasizes the importance of taking the time to care for and appreciate the beauty of flowers.
