Are flower effervescent tablets the same as nutrient solutions, and can they be used to disinfect flowers?

Anyone who grows flowers surely wants their cut blooms to last a few more days, and that is wherecut-flower effervescent tablets and nutrient solutionscome in. Although both are meant to help cut flowers live longer, they differ quite a lot in composition, function and how they are used.

Composition

Cut-flower effervescent tablets are mainly made up of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. Drop one into water and a chemical reaction happens quickly, producing lots of carbon dioxide bubbles that bring the water to life. Besides these, some antibacterial ingredients such as sodium benzoate are also added, which prevent bacteria from growing in the water and create a clean environment for the cut flowers.

The composition of nutrient solutions is much richer, containing minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium, which are important for maintaining the cell structure of cut flowers and regulating physiological functions. They also contain vitaminB1 and vitaminC , which help cut flowers boost their resistance and become more vigorous. In addition, they contain amino acids, an important raw material for protein synthesis, which help cut flowers grow and repair damaged areas.

Function

Cut-flower effervescent tablets are mainly used to disinfect and clean the water. When arranging cut flowers, bacteria and microorganisms easily grow in the water; these bacteria consume all the oxygen in the water and also block the stems of the cut flowers, so the flowers cannot absorb water and soon wilt. Once a cut-flower effervescent tablet is added, the carbon dioxide released can adjust the pH of the water and inhibit bacteria, keeping the water clean so that the stems of the cut flowers can absorb water smoothly.

Nutrient solutions, on the other hand, mainly provide the nutrients cut flowers need to grow. They let the cells of cut flowers divide and grow properly and enhance metabolic function. With nutrient solutions, cut flowers are more brightly colored, their blooms open larger, and the flowering period can be extended considerably.

How to use

Using cut-flower effervescent tablets is very simple: just drop the tablet straight into a vase filled with clean water. It dissolves immediately and mixes with the water. Generally1 liter of water takes1 - 2 tablets, which is very convenient.

Using nutrient solutions takes more care. First you have to dilute them according to the ratio on the instructions, based on the type of cut flower and its growth stage. The ratio is generally1:50 - 1:200. For more delicate cut flowers, you may need to dilute200 times; for sturdier cut flowers, diluting50 times is enough. Once diluted, pour it into the vase.

So when growing flowers, you should look at the actual situation and see what the cut flowers need most, then choose the right product, and that way you can keep your cut flowers beautiful all along.