Myths about flowers and plants

Myths about flowers and plants

Flowers and houseplants: 11 common myths

Flowers and indoor plants bring us a lot of joy. We try so hard to keep them alive and thriving as long as possible because they bring us so much joy! Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions, so it is difficult to know which advice to trust and which to ignore.
Luckily, our flower lovers are on hand to help you sort the wheat from the chaff. Time to debunk some myths…

The truth: indoor plants help clean the air.

We’ll file this under “true,” but it’s a bit more nuanced than that. Plants, both indoor and outdoor, breathe in the opposite direction to humans, absorbing carbon dioxide and emitting oxygen during photosynthesis. Some houseplants can also absorb toxins from the air, such as gases from paint, cleaning products and new furniture, but very slowly. You will need at least one plant per 100 square meters of floor space to improve the air quality in your home.
According to a study conducted by NASA in 1989, ferns, spider plants, areca palms, marginatas and peace lilies are among the best at removing harmful compounds from the air. If you’re not sure, pick up one of our air purification packs.

TRUE: Bananas are flower killers!

Who knew bananas could be killers? That’s right. Ethylene is emitted by the ripening of fruits, especially bananas, and shortens the life of flowers. You can avoid this by placing your vase further away from the fruit bowl.

FALSE: Removing the rose’s protective petals will lead to death.

There’s an easy fix if your roses are starting to look discolored, torn, and feeling sorry for themselves around the edges. Since the outer petals are only there to protect the inner bud, they are known as ‘guard petals’. They can be gently pulled back without damaging the flower, revealing clean petals underneath that will look more attractive when on display.

TRUE: Lilies have the potential to kill my pet.

Lilies, however, are harmful to cats and, in some cases, dogs. The whole plant is extremely deadly, and even a small bite of one leaf can lead to kidney failure and death. After swallowing a lily, your pet can make a full recovery if they receive emergency veterinary care within 18 hours.
Tulips, alstroemeria, peonies, peace lilies and dracaena are some other flowers and houseplants to keep your pets away from. The good news is that most species, including roses, sunflowers, orchids, ferns and spider plants, are safe for animals. If in doubt, do a quick Google search or shop our pet-friendly selection.

TRUE: Indoor plants help relieve tension and anxiety.

Nature has long been associated with happiness. A 2010 Japanese study found that being in the woods can lower heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels. Unfortunately, not everyone lives near a forest, but houseplants can serve as a good substitute for city people, especially if you opt for something bigger like our two-meter-tall yucca or a tropical jungle-style bundle.
Caring for a living being can offer us a sense of purpose, help us relax and return to the present moment. Horticultural therapy is often suggested to patients suffering from depression and PTSD for a reason, so why not give it a try?

Truth: Placing a coin in the bottom of a vase prevents flowers from wilting.

Has a family member ever said that to you and laughed? In fact, there is some truth to that! Copper causes the water to become more acidic, allowing it to travel up your flower stems faster and keeping them fresher for longer. Aspirin, crushed, has a similar effect.
Flowers don’t last forever, so grandma’s trick won’t stop it from fading completely. Oh, if only! For peace of mind, look for flowers that are guaranteed to last at least seven days. You can buy flowers with confidence thanks to our happiness guarantee.

FALSE: Orchids require a lot of maintenance.

While orchids might be finicky, we’ve given this myth the wrong label because they can also be incredibly easy to care for! Orchids are tropical plants that thrive in hot, humid environments. If you keep this in mind and display them in a hot kitchen or bathroom, you should be able to keep them healthy.
If the leaves of your orchid are light green, this suggests that they are getting enough light. If it’s in a pot, repot it after the flowers fade to encourage new growth. We’re orchid lovers at Appleyard, so be sure to visit our orchid shop.

Truth: flowers should always be cut at an angle.

There’s nothing wrong with cutting flowers horizontally, but cutting an inch off each stem at a 45-degree angle can produce superior results. This increases the surface area available for water absorption and ensures that they don’t end up at the bottom of your vase, thirsty. After a few days, trim the stems again to keep your flowers hydrated and happy.