How to Distinguish Between Real and Fake Baby's Breath
As a popular material in the flower arrangement industry, Baby's Breath is loved for its unique starry flower shape. However, fake flowers are often found in the market, and the perishable nature of fresh flowers makes maintenance a challenge. This article will systematically analyze practical guidelines for creating long-lasting enjoyment from feature identification to scientific maintenance.
Three Core Features to Distinguish Real Baby's Breath
Morphological Feature Identification Method
Real Baby's Breath has a single flower diameter of only 2-3 millimeters and grows in an umbrella-like inflorescence. The leaves are needle-shaped and opposite, not exceeding 5 centimeters in length. If you observe flowers densely clustered with a diameter over 5 millimeters or leaves arranged in an ovate shape, it can be basically determined as a plastic simulation product.
Root Observation Method
Real plants have a distinct main root structure with delicate lateral roots like hair. Simulated flowers often have multiple independent rootstocks and no natural branching. It is easier to distinguish through hydroponic testing: real roots will gradually spread when in contact with water, while fake flowers maintain a rigid shape.
Dehydration Feature Verification
Fresh flowers will show petal wilting within 6 hours of picking and require daily water changes when placed in a vase. If the bouquet shows no signs of dehydration for more than 7 days or feels plastic when touched, it is mostly a chemical simulation product.
Scientific Maintenance to Extend the Survival Cycle
Four Elements of Pot Maintenance
Substrate Selection: Use a mix of珍珠岩 (perlite) + peat soil (3:7) to ensure proper water permeability and breathability. Light Management: Ensure 6 hours of scattered light daily, with 30% shading in summer. Water and Fertilizer Control: Water thoroughly when the topsoil is dry 1cm, and apply diluted 2000 times 'Flower More 1' every two weeks. Temperature Control Tips: Maintain a day-night temperature difference of over 10°C, with low night temperatures promoting flower bud differentiation.
Fresh Cut Flower Preservation Tips
Preservation with Medication: Dissolve half a tablet of aspirin in 500ml of water to inhibit bacterial growth and extend the flowering period by 3-5 days. Dry Flower Making: Hang in a well-ventilated area for 7 days, then spray with styling hair spray to maintain shape for over 2 years. Environmental Control: Keep away from air conditioner outlets, with humidity maintained between 60%-70% for best results.
Mastering the key points of identification can prevent the purchase of poor-quality materials, and a scientific maintenance system can keep potted plants alive for over 3 years and extend the viewing period of fresh cut flowers to 10-15 days. Regularly pruning dead flowers and promptly preventing and treating diseases and pests such as red spiders can further enhance the ornamental value of Baby's Breath.