Thursday, November 27, 2014

How Does Salt Prolong The Life Of Cut Flowers

Fertilizer


Salt when added to water, 1/2 teaspoon per quart, can help give the flowers nutrients to continue growing and live longer. Salts such as Epsom salts fertilize the flowers by providing sulfur and magnesium. These help the plant cell walls to better take in nutrients to keep the flowers alive longer.


Equalizes Plant Cell Pressure


Plant cells will pull in more water when salt is present. The plant cells do not have much salt in them and when the stem is introduced to a higher salinity water, the water in the cell moves out and the salt water moves in. Since the plant cells are more inclined to pull in water, the plant will live longer because the plant cells are well hydrated.


Inhibits Mold, Bacteria and Fungi Growth


Salts inhibit mold, bacteria and fungi growth. Salty water is not the ideal environment for mold, bacteria and fungi to grow. Therefore, salt allows a defense for the plants to live longer and be less inhibited by their growth.