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 Gainan’s Flowers 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

This is one flower care myth that should be left in the past. While there is some truth to this myth, and your grandmother probably had success adding pennies to her floral vases before the 80s, pennies do not have the same composition today as they once did. Prior to 1982, pennies were made from copper which is a natural fungicide that did extend the vase life of your favorite blooms. However, pennies today are composed of zinc and are likely to add more germs and bacteria to your vase.

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

You may have heard about the old wives’ tale of adding aspirin, vodka, bleach, lemonade, or sugar into your flowers’ water to extend their vase life and keep their blooms thriving. However, this is not only a false myth but can actually be harmful to your flowers. Anything other than clear, clean water or water with dissolved flower food will promote the widespread growth of bacteria and gunk that will quickly kill your blooms.

Myth #3Lilies Will Die if You Remove the Anthers

It is no secret that the pollen in lilies is less than ideal. Not only is it toxic to pets, but it makes a mess as it loosely falls from the anthers and spreads all over your counter. Because we love lilies and believe they enhance any floral arrangement in the best way, many of us remove the anthers completely! Don’t worry. The myth that lilies will die if their anthers are removed is completely false. 

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

Every rose is surrounded by a layer of petals known as guard petals. Their job is to protect the rose petals found underneath, and are often torn or discolored, especially if they have done their job correctly. Gently plucking off the guard petals on a rose will not have any effect on its health or vase life, but it will create a stunning bloom perfect for any floral arrangement. 

Myth #5Fresh-Cut Flowers Prefer a Sunny Location

Most people will argue that flowers are healthiest when provided with fresh water and a lot of sunlight. While this is true for flowers that are still in pots with soil or in your garden, it is not true for fresh-cut blooms and arrangements in a vase. These blooms have already soaked up all the direct sun they need and are now on a journey that requires clean water and a cool place to live that experiences indirect sunlight. This will ensure that their lifecycle is slowed and their vase life is increased.

Bonus MythBananas Kill Flowers

Actually, this myth is not a myth at all! It is true that bananas can kill your favorite fresh-cut blooms. Ripening fruit, including bananas, will produce ethylene gas, which is toxic to flowers and has the ability to kill them. When your fruit bowl and vase of flowers are on the same counter, it is important to be sure that there is enough space between them so both can thrive.

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.