The new darling of those who want their flowers to last longer is placing a coin in the pot. Although it may seem like an urban legend at first, does this method, which has gone viral on social media, really work? This habit, known as the 'secret flower tactic' of the Japanese, is actually based on scientific foundations.
So, can a coin truly extend the life of flowers? Let's take a closer look together.
You've probably seen plenty of videos on social media of people tossing coins into vases. While many believe this act brings good fortune, the real purpose is to keep flowers fresh for a longer period. Particularly, tulips and bulbous plants tend to wilt later using this method.
So how does this work? It's all about copper. Coins minted before 1982 were almost entirely made of copper. Copper has a natural effect that kills bacteria and fungi. This prevents the proliferation of microorganisms in the water that cause flowers to rot. So, the coin essentially acts like a natural preservative, prolonging the life of the flower.
The composition of coins changed after 1982. Now, they contain 97.5% zinc and only 2.5% copper. This means they're not as effective as they used to be, but they're not entirely useless either. The thin layer of copper on the surface can still somewhat reduce bacteria.
Experts suggest that the difference will be more noticeable if the water is changed every few days and the coin is kept clean.
The pallid appearance of plants gives way to more vibrant leaves within a few weeks. This practice is seen as a balance of energy in Japanese culture, where it is believed that metal purifies nature.
You might want to try this if you've been dealing with plants that have been wilted or faded for a long time.