There's no better feeling than having fresh-cut flowers liven up a space. But flowers in a vase, as we know, are on a time-limited tour—and while you may try to play amateur florist, nature always reminds you who has the final say. Then someone on TikTok suggests throwing copper coins into a vase of flowers. That supposedly helps the flowers stay fresher longer. Seriously?
Coins in a vase? If you've been holding your head at this – you're not alone. But since internet advice is at least half the time completely serious (and the other half completely absurd), we decided to investigate whether there's any truth to this claim. Or is it just another viral trick that has the same effect as whispering motivational phrases tulips.
What is the coin-in-a-vase trick supposed to do anyway?
Don't be fooled by the idea that this is some symbolic ritual or homage to your grandmother. People throw coins into a vase with a much more pragmatic goal – to keep flowers fresh longer. Tulips and other bulbs in particular are said to last a little longer with the help of the copper in the coins. Yes, copper – an element that we sometimes encounter in the form of pipes, and now apparently also as the savior of a bouquet from the store.
Older coins (before 1982) contained as much as 95 % of copper. Today? Barely 2.5 %. So… if you still have a few coins from the disco era under your couch, you might have hit the jackpot. Otherwise, you’ll be better off with regular water and a little discipline.
So, does “copper therapy” work?
The answer: a little. Unless you have access to vintage coins from the days when Walkmans ruled the world, the effect is almost imperceptible. The flowers may seem a little more “awake,” but that’s like calling a coffee machine espresso—it’s something, but it’s not quite that.
What actually prolong the life of your bouquet?
If you really want your bouquet to last more than two episodes of the Netflix series, remember the following:
- Cut the stem sideways – more surface area means better water absorption. Geometry has never been more useful.
- Don't ignore the flower food bag – it’s not just a pretty addition, but a mini laboratory that regulates pH, nourishes flowers, and prevents bacteria.
- Change the water often – at least every other day. Even better: every day. Yes, seriously. Even flowers prefer a fresh drink to standing puddles.
- Remove dead parts – because rotting leaves are not only an aesthetic problem, but they also release gases that kill your remaining flowers faster than an unanswered text message.
- Keep them out of the sun. – it sounds counterintuitive, but it's true, light cooks them more than it nourishes them.
- Don't leave leaves in water – no one wants a mini swamp in their living room. And yes, it stinks.
Finally…
If you've been happily throwing coins into a vase and swearing that it makes your bouquet last longer – bravo! But if you really want to extend the life of your bouquet (and not just for the sake of good karma), it's time to equip yourself with the basics of floristic hygiene and stop counting on the chemistry of change.
