Ceramic Vases For Fresh Flowers

[naomi24]

I always have fresh flowers at home, but why is it that those in a ceramic vase fade long before those in glass vases? Does anyone know?

[Minkyme]

Have you done a real-time test as in bought 2 bunches of identical flowers, put one in glass, the other in a ceramic vase and videoed the accelerated wilting in the ceramic?

[naomi24]

Can't say I've taken to filming the flowers ... but yes, I've certainly bought identical bunches at the same time from the same shop and put some in glass and some in ceramic. Those in the ceramic vase are dead long before those in glass.

[Minkyme]

I would put it down to leeching chemicals in the water of the ceramic vase.

[sanmac]

Perhaps it's something to do with the ceramic vases being opaque and the glass one transparent?

[dunnitall]

Maybe it's because Glass is pure natural 'ingredients' whereas ceramic is clay and added ingredients for the finish? I don't know...I am just assuming it's chemically affected.....what do I know lol x

[dunnitall]

By the way did you know that adding a small amount of bleach to flowers in a vase keeps them longer because it keeps the water free from bacteria that accumulates because of the bacteria the stems produce?

[Canary42]

Could be because photosynthesis is more active in the glass one.

[naomi24]

I'm open to any ideas. It's frustrating because I really like the offending vase.

[naomi24]

dunnitall, no, I didn't know that. I always put the 'food' in that comes with the flowers, but I would have thought bleach would kill them. I'll try it. Thanks.

[dunnitall]

Naomi...so did I until I tried the bleach and it has always worked for me. X. That was a tip long ago from the royal florist who did the flowers for the wedding of Charles and Di....hmmm dint do much for their marriage but I think the flowers survived *Chortlesplutters* X

[Minkyme]

Is there a big difference in the accelerated death of the flowers in the ceramic vase? Compared the glass one?

I’ve never heard of that bleach hack however I have heard that if you spray perfume or aftershave into the water you can have your flowers giving off the scent of your favourite aftershave/perfume.

Would detail also work?

[Minkyme]

Dettol.

[gingejbee]

....the "food" that comes with flowers....info....

http://mentalfloss.com/article/75689/whats-flower-food-packets-come-bouquets-flowers

[naomi24]

Yes, Minkyme, there is a big difference. Those in the ceramic vase only last a few days. In other vases identical flowers last for a week - sometimes more.

[dunnitall]

No...bleach as it's a cleanser as far as I know. I just tried it once years ago...it worked and keeps the water clear so no bacteria to kill the flowers. I am only reporting on what I tried and has worked. It's up to the individual to try or leave.... Your choice.... Take it or leave it ....as with all tips methinks ...x

[Minkyme]

//The packet contains powdered "flower food" that is meant to make your flowers last longer. Because flowers quickly age and droop after they’ve been cut//

My florist friend calls the packet //horticultural viagra//

[Barmaid]

I cant help with the ceramic v glass but the bleach thing works.

[sanmac]

To see if the amount of light does affect the life-span, it might be interesting to buy two groups of the same flowers from the same florist and place them in the vases; however, cover the outside of the glass vase with aluminium foil. Then see if there is a difference in how long they last.

[Eleena]

This is interesting naomi, scroll down to just under 'show 5 more comments'

https://gardening.stackexchange.com/questions/14952/why-are-cut-roses-doing-so-much-better-in-a-ceramic-vase-than-a-crystal-vase

[naomi24]

sanmac! You're a genius. I'll try that.