The Chain of Life Network recently addressed on its website the issue
of homemade flower solutions and the risk involved. The organization
examined the possible downside of concocting your own hydration
solutions using ingredients such as vodka, antifreeze, aspirin, soda,
hydrogen peroxide, copper pennies or bleach.
The network advised that “most growers, retailers and wholesalers would be better off if they only used flower food and hydration products sold by reputable companies and did not attempt to make their own.” One reason for this is because forums like the Internet provide all sorts of potential vase-life-extending recipes with no proven research to back up the claims. Other issues listed by the Chain of Life Network worth looking into:
• Including ingredients and labour, is the solution cost effective?
• Can you apply it to a variety of flower types? Does it damage a particular cultivar?
• Does it require proper equipment for mixing or measuring?
• Are the homebrew ingredients being used as per the original labels and documents? It may be illegal to use some products not labelled for the intended use.
The Chain of Life Network concludes that florists should save the aspirin for headaches and instead use vase and bucket solutions developed specifically for cut flowers in order to maximize profits and prolong flower life.
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