Cut flowers bring color and life to any home, but their durability is always limited. Even so, there are small precautions that can make a difference and help any bouquet of flowers, regardless of the occasion, to stay fresh for longer, such as adding these ingredients to the vase.
One of the most popular methods on social media, such as by the TikToker known as @mama_mila_, is based on a simple combination of sugar and white vinegar, two common ingredients in most kitchens. The technique is easy to apply and does not require specific florist products, and can be used on practically any type of cut flower purchased in a supermarket, flower shop or local market, according to the British newspaper The Mirror.
How to prepare pitcher water
Start by filling the jug halfway with fresh water at room temperature. Then add a tablespoon of sugar, which can be fine white or granulated. Then, add two tablespoons of white vinegar. Stir carefully until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Before placing the flowers in water, cut the ends of the stems at a 45-degree angle, preferably under running water or with the stems submerged, to prevent air from entering. Also remove any leaves that may be below the water line.
Why does sugar help
According to the company specializing in flowers Teleflora, when a flower is cut it stops receiving nutrients through photosynthesis. By adding sugar to water, it acts as an alternative source of energy.
As the stems absorb water, they also absorb the sugar dissolved in the vase, which can help keep the flowers vital for longer. However, the same source warns that sugar can stimulate the growth of bacteria in the water, accelerating spoilage and causing unpleasant odors.
Role of vinegar in conservation
According to the specialized website Gardening Know How, cited by the same source, vinegar reduces the pH of the water, making it more acidic. This less favorable environment for bacterial proliferation helps to delay the degradation process.
The most common recommendation is to use about two tablespoons of vinegar and two tablespoons of sugar for every liter of water. Vinegar should not be used alone, but combined with sugar, to balance nutrition and bacterial control.
Other essential care
Experts cited by the Morning Flowers website highlight that regular water changes continue to be essential, even when using this mixture.
The jar must be washed whenever the water is replaced, avoiding the accumulation of residues on the stems. Keeping flowers away from heat sources, drafts and direct sunlight also helps to prolong their freshness, according to .
This method does not prevent the flowers from aging naturally, but it can delay the process and allow any branch to maintain its well-groomed appearance for a few more days.
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