“Flower care” we take a very responsible approach to the questions that are often asked about plants and their basic care. We try to cover all aspects of growing plants.
Vases and water in vases are very important topics.
What size should the vase be?
The vase should correspond to the size of the bouquet. There is a logical relationship between the size, height and weight of the bouquet and the size, height and weight of the vase which ensures that:
- Flowers stand upright.
- The capacity of the vase is large enough to hold water for at least a week.
- The vase is heavy enough not to tip over due to the weight of the bouquet.
- The vase matches the bouquet.
A rule for arrangements is that the height of the vase should correspond to 40-60% of the height of the bouquet.
In surveys, consumers in the Netherlands and Germany were asked to choose the most suitable vases for bouquets of different sizes and shapes. The results concluded that customers should receive at least:
- Flower food for 1 liter vase for small bouquets.
- Flower food for a 2-3 liter vase for larger bouquets.
- Flower food to supplement.
For florists and customers alike, it is essential to remove all contamination by thoroughly cleaning after soaking.
How to keep the water in a vase clean?
Unfortunately, bacteria in vase water is a common occurrence. If the stems are damaged and begin to decay, bacteria in the vicinity (stem, container/vase, air, leaves) can thrive and cause further decay of the stem. The water becomes cloudy. Bacteria are also found in stems, where they can block vascular connections. This prevents the flow of water and nutrients to the flower. This blockage can be caused by both live and dead bacteria. However, there are flowers that are less susceptible to bacterial contamination. Aesthetics and hygiene are the main reasons for keeping the water in a vase clean. After all, a beautiful bouquet in a clean vase is a delight to the eye.
Tips for keeping vase water clean:
Maintain good hygiene
- Remove contamination by cutting 2-5 cm from the stems.
- Remove the leaves at the bottom, do not remove the spines. Always use clean dishes and vases.
- Keep tools and tables clean. Avoid damaging the stems.
Вода във ваза Water in vase
- Use cold tap water with added flower food.
- Top up with water and flower food.
- Pay attention to the correct dosage of flower food.
What is the best container for storing flowers?
We recommend clean glass vases so you can enjoy your beautiful flowers longer.
Glass is an inert, hard and smooth material that does not react with water. The glass is not too sensitive to scratches on the inside, so it is easy to clean.
Other types of containers can be used, but there is a chance that you will shorten the life of your flowers or even damage the container itself. Please read our recommendations for vases and dishes below.
Are plastic vases and dishes suitable?
Not all plastics are resistant to acidic water from a vase and constant cleaning, which leads to graying of the interior and the appearance of small scratches. This makes them difficult to clean and has an adverse effect on the life of the flowers in a vase.
Are crystal vases suitable?
Old crystal vases often have decorative openings on the inside, due to their beautiful ornamentation, which, however, facilitate the accumulation of microorganisms. Since they are difficult to clean, they are likely to darken and lose their luster. With the new crystal vases, these problems are not observed. Do not place flowers in precious and/or antique crystal vases.
Are ceramic vases and dishes suitable?
Ceramics are relatively neutral if they are glazed. If they are not or the glossy layer is damaged, bacteria can accumulate in the damaged areas.
They are difficult to clean and generally have a negative effect on the flowers.
Why should metal containers not be used?
The pH adjusters in the flower food make the vase water acidic. Even in vases with only tap water, the water will turn acidic within a few days. When vessels made of unprotected metal such as zinc or copper are used, metal ions are released into the water. Within a few days, the concentration of these ions can become very high. As a result, the flower exhibits “toxic symptoms” such as stem discoloration and burnt leaves and flower petals. Zinc cookware should only be used if it has an acid-resistant plastic coating on the inside, which would also protect it from rust.
When we should clean up the vase?
Decaying leaves, thorns, dust, etc. pollution makes the water dirty and conditions the development of microorganisms. As a result of this contamination, the vascular connections in the trunk necessary for water absorption can be blocked. When the water level drops, the pollution becomes visible.
The first requirement for good hygiene is to remove decomposing matter from the water. The nutrients and acid regulators in Chrysal Flower Food help flowers develop naturally. Also, the water in a vase is not contaminated by decaying elements, as if only tap water were used. It is important to use the correct dosage to achieve the best results.
We also recommend that you clean dishes and vases immediately after use and rinse them before use, as there is a chance that dust has accumulated in them, no matter how clean they look. For professional use we recommend Chrysal Cleaner. We advise end users to use dishwashing detergent. For florists and consumers alike, it is essential to remove all contamination by scrubbing thoroughly after soaking.
Why is it important to rinse vases before use?
Most households have several vases that are stored away when not in use. Dust accumulates easily and our cupboards are not always as clean as we would like them to be. Therefore, the vases are often few, and sometimes even heavily soiled.
For this reason, it is always a good idea to wash the vase before use. This will ensure a fresh and clean start to the flowers to keep them beautiful for a long time.
How to store vases and flower containers?
After cleaning, a few drops of water usually remain in the vase. These droplets are the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. This is why we recommend storing vases and dishes upside down. In this way, these last few drops will drain away and prevent the accumulation of dust, which creates a favorable environment for the development of microorganisms. Therefore, dishes and vases should always be washed before use. Thoroughly wash and rinse the vase before adding flower food, water and of course, flowers.
It is interesting how with little effort we can contribute to the longer life of plants.
Keep reading and we promise to keep giving you advice.
