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Curator's Blog
How to keep flowers fresh?
Published on 28 February 2021
Flowers are undoubtedly a popular choice to decorate home on festivals, such as the Chinese New Year. However, their beauty only lasts for a few days. Are there any ways to extend the vase life of flowers? Is the specially formulated "flower food" the only way? Interestingly, you can keep flowers fresh simply by adding some things commonly found at home in the water.
First look at the causes lead to flower wilting:
- 1. Insufficient water
- The water absorption of fresh flowers is reduced significantly after the roots are severed
- Bacteria growing in the water causes the blockage of xylem which is responsible for the transportation of water to the flowers - 2. Lack of nutrients
- 3. Ethylene produced by the plants promotes the wilting of the flowers
We have used roses to investigate what to be added to water to keep the flower fresh (taking 1 litre of water as an example)
With water only, the flower cannot last more than a few days.
Best
Adding 1 teaspoon of bleach and 1 teaspoon of sugar OR 2 teaspoons of white vinegar and 2 teaspoons of sugar
The acidity of the vinegar can inhibit bacterial growth and promote water absorption of the flowers, while bleach can kill bacteria. Sugar is added to provide nutrients to the flowers. Both solutions work as good as off-the-shelf flower food which has antiseptic, sugar and acidifier as the main ingredients.
Adding 1 teaspoon of bleach and 1 teaspoon of sugar OR 2 teaspoons of white vinegar and 2 teaspoons of sugar
The acidity of the vinegar can inhibit bacterial growth and promote water absorption of the flowers, while bleach can kill bacteria. Sugar is added to provide nutrients to the flowers. Both solutions work as good as off-the-shelf flower food which has antiseptic, sugar and acidifier as the main ingredients.
Good
Adding 1/4 can of soft drink
The acidic soft drink can also inhibit bacterial growth and promote water absorption of the flowers. The sugar content of the beverage can be utilized by the flowers. Adding lemon slices or lemon juice will have a similar effect.
Adding 1/4 can of soft drink
The acidic soft drink can also inhibit bacterial growth and promote water absorption of the flowers. The sugar content of the beverage can be utilized by the flowers. Adding lemon slices or lemon juice will have a similar effect.
Adding 2 teaspoons of 70% alcohol
Besides killing bacteria, alcohol can inhibit the production of ethylene by the plant and slow down wilting. However, adding too much alcohol will kill the plant cells.
Besides killing bacteria, alcohol can inhibit the production of ethylene by the plant and slow down wilting. However, adding too much alcohol will kill the plant cells.
Worst
Adding 2 teaspoons of sugar OR 1 teaspoon of salt
While sugar provides nutrients to the flowers, it also boosts bacterial growth in the water. Whereas high concentration of salt inhibits bacterial growth at the expenses of dehydrating the flowers.
Adding 2 teaspoons of sugar OR 1 teaspoon of salt
While sugar provides nutrients to the flowers, it also boosts bacterial growth in the water. Whereas high concentration of salt inhibits bacterial growth at the expenses of dehydrating the flowers.
Investigation result of the best way to keep flowers fresh
(Click to enlarge)
(Click to enlarge)
Note: Never mix bleach with acidic substances (e.g. vinegar or soft drink) or alcohol to avoid the production of harmful gases.
