tombola have shared nine proven TikTok hacks to make your plants live longer.
Plus, to carry out the tips, you only need items that you’re likely to already have around the home, such as sugar, hairspray, ice, milk and more…
1) SPRAY YOUR REAL OR DRIED FLOWERS WITH HAIRSPRAY
A popular TikTok hack involves spraying your flowers with hairspray to make them last longer, the video currently has been viewed over 100k times. This hack also works with dried flowers too. Dried flowers have become more popular in the last few years, with them lasting between 1-3 years. It’s a perfect way to add a colourful bunch of flowers to your room, while saving yourself some money in the long run.
2) ADD SUGAR AND COINS TO TULIPS
A popular flower around March and April is the Tulip, you will see them pop up more in supermarkets and online flower delivery sites at this time of year. To make these seasonal bouquets last a little longer, prick the stem using a small pin, fill your vase with water adding two small coins, and add a spoonful of sugar to make them last longer.
3) ICE, WHITE VINEGAR, SUGAR AND SODA WATER ARE ALL CUPBOARD FAVOURITES THAT CAN BENEFIT YOUR PLANTS HEALTH
Adding two tbsp of white vinegar to your plants keeps away bacteria and makes your plants last longer. The same can also be said for adding Ice to your water, as this can keep flowers fresher and keep bacteria at bay. The video which gives numerous hints and tips has been viewed over 122k times. Giving sugar, soda water, or an energy drink to your plants water, instead of the plant food, can help with giving nutrients to the flowers. Soda or carbonated water contains vital nutrients to help with healthy plant growth.
4) KEEP FRUIT AWAY FROM FLOWERS
Did you know that having your flowers near your fruit bowl can affect how long they last for? When plants and flowers start to drop, this is a result of them producing the growth hormone Ethylene. Some fruits such as tomatoes, bananas and apples produce a high level of this gas, which will lead to plants ageing and therefore dying off quicker.
5) USE CLEAR TAPE TO CREATE A GRID TO KEEP FLOWERS IN PLACE
This clever TikTok hack is for smaller bunches of flowers that may not fill your vase. To keep them from leaning, create a grid using clear tape across the top of the vase. Arrange the tape across the top and cut away any access. Place the flowers in the holes, this will keep them in place and save you handling them less.
6) CUT STEMS ON AN ANGLE TO ABSORB MORE WATER
To make sure your flowers are absorbing enough water, when arranging your flowers make sure you cut each individual stem at a 45 degree angle. This increases the surface area, therefore allowing the flowers to soak up more water. Carefully use scissors or a knife, and no blunt objects to risk squashing the stem and causing the flowers damage.
7) USE “OFF” MILK TO CREATE A NATURAL FERTILISER
If your milk has started to spoil, don’t throw it away. Instead, use it for your garden. Mix the milk with your soil and add it to the top of your plants to act as a natural fertiliser, while also saving you money.
8) SPRINKLE CINNAMON TO PROTECT YOUR PLANTS
Plants love cinnamon. Sprinkling cinnamon on seedlings can encourage growth, and it can also help to prevent disease in your plants. But one of its main selling points is that cinnamon can stop bugs from eating them.
9) A GLASS BOTTLE CAN KEEP YOUR PLANTS ALIVE WHILE YOU’RE AWAY
If you are planning to go away or are simply looking for more tips to keep your plants hydrated, all you need are glass bottles. Just fill them up with water and stick them straight into the soil upside down. Another tip is to water them before doing this, so the water lasts longer in the bottle.
