How to Keep Tulips From Drooping With a Penny

Learn the secret of how to keep tulips from drooping, keeping your tulips upright and beautiful with a simple copper penny. Then, you won’t have to worry about floppy tulips again.

While out and about “Thrifting with the Gals” in Maine yesterday, I stopped to pick up some pink tulips at the supermarket. The temperature outside was 8 degrees here in Maine, and I think that calls for some pink tulips. When I got the tulips home and placed them into my favorite thrifted vase, the tulips were drooping. And then I remembered this little secret of how a penny can keep tulips from drooping.

Not that I don’t like floppy tulips, because I do!

And I thought I would share this little secret with you here today on the blog.

Old Copper Penny

Go find that old stash of change you have hidden away somewhere.

Everybody has one…

Find an old copper penny.

Not a new shiny penny, it has to be an old COPPER penny.

Like this copper penny here with the patina on it.

How To Keep Tulips from Drooping

Add the copper penny to the vase of water with the drooping tulips.

Now, I’ve heard and read all kinds of theories about why this works…

And I’m afraid I can’t really speak to any of them.

I just know it has worked for me, and I use this trick with all my store-bought tulips.

Just look at the first photo of the day when I brought the tulips home and placed them in the vase before adding the copper penny. The tulips were drooping.

Here, the tulips are now standing tall except for that one stubborn drooping tulip.

No more drooping tulips.

You may also enjoy these 17 Simple Tulip Arrangements You Can Create Today post.

You may also enjoy this Romantic Table Setting, Pretty in Pink.

Try it yourself, and let me know if the copper penny keeps your tulips from drooping.

I think this is going to be the year that I plant my own tulips, too.

Shiplap and Shells

Check out my friend Kim over at Shiplap and Shells on her 12 Must-Read Tips for Planting Spring-Blooming Bulbs in the Fall. Her tulip beds are just amazing, aren’t they?

Tulips Drooping More Ideas

Tulips are beautiful flowers that can bring a burst of color to any room or garden. Here are a few more tips to help keep your tulips from drooping:

1. Freshly cut stems: When cutting tulips, use a sharp, clean knife or scissors. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle to maximize water absorption. This increases the surface area for water intake, allowing the tulips to stay hydrated and upright.
2. Remove leaves below water level: Strip off any leaves that will be submerged in water. This prevents the leaves from decomposing in the water, which can lead to bacteria growth and shorten the lifespan of the tulips. It also helps the tulip stems stay straight and upright.
3. Use a clean vase: Before arranging your tulips, ensure that the vase is clean and free of any bacteria or residue. Bacteria in the water can clog the stems and prevent proper water uptake, causing the tulips to droop.
4. Water level and temperature: Fill the vase with enough water to cover about two-thirds of the tulip stems. Avoid overfilling the vase, as this can lead to stem rot. Use lukewarm water instead of cold water, as tulips prefer slightly warmer temperatures. Change the water every two to three days to prevent bacterial growth.
5. Flower food or homemade solution: Use a floral preservative or flower food that is specifically designed to enhance the lifespan of cut flowers. These solutions contain nutrients and antibacterial agents that can help keep the tulips fresh and prevent drooping.
6. Placement and temperature: Keep your tulips away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and drafts. Place them in a cool area of the room, as warmer temperatures can cause the tulips to wilt more quickly. Avoid placing them near fruits or vegetables, as the ethylene gas produced by ripening produce can also accelerate wilting.
7. Support with floral wire or tape: If your tulips start to droop, you can gently wrap the stems with floral wire or tape to provide support. This will help the tulips stay upright and prevent further bending. Be careful not to wrap too tightly, as it can restrict water flow.
8. Re-cut stems: If your tulips start to droop despite your efforts, you can try re-cutting the stems. Remove about an inch from the bottom of each stem, cutting at a 45-degree angle. This can help the tulips absorb more water and regain their strength.

But I still find that an old copper penny in the water keeps my tulips from drooping every time!

I’m so glad you dropped by, and if you are new to my blog, welcome! I hope you enjoyed your visit with us here today at our Home in Coastal Maine.

Be sure to check out our Home in Vermont too, where we spend winters enjoying the coziness of home in the Green Mountains of Vermont.

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