

Gardeners are swearing by this one simple hack to keep tulips fresh for longer – and it uses an item you likely already have sitting in your kitchen…
A vase of spring blooms such as tulips can genuinely lift your spirits. They’re vibrant, making them an ideal present for someone special, or simply a way to inject colour into your living space.
Tulips needn’t break the bank, typically costing just a few pounds from your nearest supermarket, but eventually, they may begin to wilt. These flowers, which have long symbolised spring’s arrival, often droop due to dehydration. Their stems require constant moisture and must be positioned away from direct sunlight. You’ve likely encountered other tricks to extend your tulips’ lifespan, such as dropping a penny into the vase.
However, there’s another technique that many fans recommend, involving one item that won’t cost you anything whatsoever.
Online content creator Lucy, who posts videos about her experiences as a mum, demonstrated how to prolong tulips’ freshness by adding one item from your freezer – an ice cube.
Lucy had observed fellow content creator Emily McAllister employing the method – and it genuinely delivers results. Updating her TikTok audience about the outcome, Lucy explained: “It’s honestly been amazing, I shot this early in the week and they are still up right and blooming.”
Numerous viewers were taken with the tip and eager to test it themselves. “Ooo I’m going to try this!! Always find my tulips die after a few days normally,” commented one viewer.
Another responded: “Wow didn’t know this!” Others revealed their own tricks, from pouring bleach into the water, to adding a spoonful of sugar.
How to care for tulips
When purchasing tulips, it’s essential to select blooms that are still closed or barely open, as this guarantees a longer vase life. Ensure they feel firm to the touch, and steer clear of any flowers that appear damaged or drooping.
Prior to placing them in water, snip the stems at a 45-degree angle using a pair of scissors. Repeat this every two to three days to maintain their freshness.
It’s equally vital to use a thoroughly cleaned vase to eliminate any bacteria. Always opt for cool or lukewarm water, and refresh it frequently to stop bacteria from building up.
This follows as peace lilies are known for their distinctive white flowers, but can often look a little bare or even wilted in spring if they are kept in the wrong area of your home. Houseplants need a lot of sunlight if you want them to bloom again, but most people make the mistake of putting their peace lily on a windowsill or in a brightly lit spot.
These plants naturally grow in tropical rainforest under massive trees, and in the wild, they only receive filtered sunlight. This means their leaves cannot tolerate too much light, and when peace lilies are placed directly by a window, they become stressed and droopy.
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