Receiving a beautiful bouquet of flowers is one of the greatest gifts anyone can get, so, naturally, we want to do anything we can to make our fabulous blooms last as long as possible. Following flower care advice you heard while growing up, or information you found on the internet could do more harm than good to your fresh blooms. The flower experts here at Bice’s Florist are setting the record straight for you. To keep your flowers fresh for as long as possible, we’re debunking some of the more common flower care myths we’ve come across. Keep reading to discover what you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to caring for your precious blooms.

Common Flower Care Myths to Avoid

Myth #1Putting a Penny in the Bottom of the Vase Keeps Flowers from Wilting

“Find a penny pick it up, and all day long you’ll have good luck…” except if you are a vase of fresh-cut blooms. Pennies used to be a great way to add copper (a natural fungicide) into your flowers’ water to extend the lifespan of the blooms. That was until 1982 when pennies were made with a lot less copper and a lot more zinc. Today, pennies will have virtually no effect on your flowers except for the plethora of germs and bacteria that are sure to harm the stems.

Myth #2Sugar or Lemonade Can Be Used as Flower Flood for Your Cut Stems

Kid’s science experiments and old wives’ tales have led to the false discovery that sugar, lemonade, even vodka, and aspirin will promote the healthy growth of flowers and even extend their vase life. What many people fail to realize is that these concoctions will promote the rapid growth of germs and bacteria in a floral bouquet’s vase water, which will result in premature wilting and dying of your favorite blooms. Instead, check out some official flower food from your local florist and ensure your bouquet has clean and clear water every day.

Myth #3Lilies Will Die if You Remove the Anthers

Anthers are found in the center of the lily and produce loose pollen that can trigger allergies in humans, prove to be toxic to pets, and make a big mess or even stain counters and floors. So, it may come as good news to learn that, as long as it is done carefully, removing the anthers of a lily will not harm or kill the bloom. Actually, some florists encourage or recommend that people bringing fresh-cut lilies into their homes do remove the anthers to maintain a safe, healthy, and clean environment.

Myth #4Removing a Rose’s Guard Petals Will Make it Die Quicker

Without context, one would assume that plucking petals off of a flower is sure to shorten its lifespan. However, all roses have guard petals in order to protect and save the petals that are found underneath. Removing a rose’s guard petals will have no effect on the vase life of the rose if it is done carefully and delicately. Instead, you will have a near-perfect rose ready to display in a brilliant bouquet.

Myth #5Fresh-Cut Flowers Prefer a Sunny Location

The truth is that once a bloom has been cut from the garden, it has different needs in order to enjoy a long vase life. It is important that you avoid displaying your bouquets and arrangements on windowsills or in direct sunlight because the warmth of the sun will actually speed up the flowers’ life cycle. Instead, a cool kitchen counter, living room coffee table, or dining room table are better options for a vase of fresh-cut flowers. 

Bonus MythBananas Kill Flowers

There are a few superstitions suggesting that bananas are bad luck; for instance, you should never bring bananas on a fishing trip. When it comes to flowers, bananas are still, unfortunately, the enemy. In fact, most fruits that go through the ripening process can kill your favorite fresh-cut blooms thanks to the ethylene gas that they emit as they ripen.

Forget all the old wives’ tales and internet myths about caring for flowers. The task is really quite simple. To keep your fresh-cut flowers healthy and vibrant for as long as possible, follow these simple steps:

1. Remove any leaves and petals which fall below the waterline.
2. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle with each change of water.
3. Change the water daily for the best results.
4. Only use the packet of flower food from the florist.
5. Keep flowers out of direct sunlight.

For more detailed information on how to care for flowers, visit our Flower Care Page.

Cut flowers that are cared for properly can last up to 10-12 days, so go ahead and brighten your home and your spirits with a beautiful arrangement of fresh blooms today.