As we embrace the beauty of fresh flowers in our homes, especially during the winter months, the challenge arises of keeping them vibrant amid central heating and other factors. A recent online hack suggests a cheeky tipple – vodka – as the secret to extending the life of cut flowers. But does this unconventional method actually work, or is it just another myth?
In a world filled with countless TikTok hacks and online trends, the validity of such claims can be questionable. To separate fact from fiction, floristry experts were consulted to determine whether adding vodka to flower vases is a legitimate trick.
The primary adversaries to the longevity of cut flowers are germs and bacteria present in their water. Vodka, with its naturally antibacterial properties, is posited as an effective bacteria killer.
David Denyer, a flower expert at Eflorist, explains, “Using vodka in your vase may seem like a waste of alcohol to many, but it can have surprising benefits. Vodka is a strong antibacterial substance, and by adding a shot of vodka into your vase, it can help to kill bacteria and germs that may be lurking around the flowers’ stems.”
However, Denyer emphasizes the need for caution, stating, “Remember, straight vodka can be too strong for the plant, so dilute it with some water first.”
While this may not be a foolproof method for preserving flowers indefinitely, it appears that the antibacterial properties of vodka could indeed contribute to prolonging the freshness of cut flowers.