Tips
Should you place flowers in warm or cold water?
Water is essential for flowers to develop optimally. There are many myths about types of water and water temperature.
- Tap water: The temperature of tap water is generally between 10 - 15 ºC. Filling vases with tap water is simple and it’s usually always available. Add flower food and it becomes perfect vase water for cut flowers that dissolves air bubbles in the stem at the same time as feeding the flowers.
True - the best and easiest option! - Ice water: stem ends of flowers coming from dry storage may be dried out and air pockets may develop inside the stems. These air bubbles clog the vascular bundles, which decreases water absorption. Ice water dissolves these air bubbles, effectively opening the way for water absorption.
True - it’s okay to use ice water! - Lukewarm water: The myth says that vase water must be lukewarm in order to be able to dissolve the flower food (powder), or it will have a residue of powder on the bottom of the vase.
False - no need to use lukewarm water with clear flower food such as Chrysal Clear Universal. - Hot/boiled water: When water has been boiled and then cooled, it contains less oxygen and less air bubbles to clog up the stems, according to the story. Sometimes the stems are dipped in scalding water to clear blockages or to counteract so-called ‘bleeding’. The result is that the tissue is completely destroyed and the stem will start to decompose after a few days. It has a negative impact on the duration and quality of the life of the flowers.
True - The clogging problem is resolved, but the price you pay is less days enjoying the flowers!
Our Advice
- Always use a clean vase
- Cut at an angle of approximately 45°: the wound will be clean and smooth. If you cut the stem straight it flattens the stem too much and causes much more damage. Research has shown that when more than 50% of the stem is plugged up, it is detrimental to the flower’s life. Water absorption is slowed down too much which causes the leaves to wilt and the flowers to develop poorly.
- General advice is to remove 2-5 cm. This is only sufficient if the flowers have been out the water for about 30 minutes. Otherwise, best is to cut off 5-10 cm, as this completely removes all contamination that may be present.
- Use fresh, cold tap water
- Add Chrysal Clear flower food
- Use the correct dosage of flower food to water, by following the instructions on the back of the pack.