What influence does the material of a vase have on flower arrangement?

Vases are an important category of products in our company. Their materials not only affect the overall decorative style but also have practical impacts on flower arrangement in terms of freshness preservation, flower material adaptability, and operational convenience.

I. Impact of Materials on Freshness Preservation of Flower Materials

The freshness of flower materials is closely related to the sealing, air permeability, and moisture retention of vases, and different materials show significant differences in performance:

Ceramic:

The surface is smooth and dense with poor air permeability, so water evaporates slowly, which can maintain the water level in the vase for a long time. It is suitable for flower materials with high water demand, such as lilies, roses, and carnations. However, it should be noted that water should be changed regularly to avoid water turbidity, which causes the flower stems to rot.

Glazed ceramic vases have stronger sealing performance, while unglazed coarse pottery is slightly more breathable. You can choose according to the habits of flower materials.

Glass:

It is completely impermeable, and water evaporation only occurs through it， so it has excellent moisture retention. Moreover, the transparent material is convenient for observing the water level and the state of flower stems, making it suitable for flower materials that need frequent water replenishment, such as baby's breath and eucalyptus leaves.

However, glass has strong thermal conductivity. If placed in direct sunlight, the water temperature in the vase can easily rise, accelerating the decay of flower materials, so high-temperature environments should be avoided.

Wooden:

It is naturally breathable, with fast water evaporation and weak moisture retention. It is more suitable for drought-tolerant flower materials, such as dried flowers, eucalyptus fruits, and wheat ears, or fresh flowers for short-term viewing, such as forget-me-nots.

Wood is easy to absorb water and deform, so vases that have undergone waterproof treatment should be selected, and they should not be soaked in water for a long time.

Plastic:

It has poor air permeability, and its moisture retention is similar to that of ceramic. However, the material is light and easy to tip over, so it is suitable for placing light flower materials, such as small daisies and bellflowers.

Inferior plastics may release chemical substances to pollute the water quality. It is recommended to choose food-grade plastic vases and change water frequently to keep them clean.

II. Impact of Materials on the Adaptability of Flower Materials

Flower materials of different forms and with different stem characteristics need to match the load-bearing capacity, stability, and sense of space of the vase material:

Heavy flower materials (such as peonies, Chinese herbaceous peonies, and large hydrangeas):

They are suitable for vases made of heavier materials, such as ceramic, to prevent tipping over due to being top-heavy. Glass vases can also be used if their bodies are thick, but it is necessary to ensure that the base is stable.

Slender flower materials (such as gladiolus, asparagus fern, and reeds):

They are suitable for vases made of slender materials such as glass and fine pottery. The light material does not oppress the flowers and can highlight the sense of lines of the flower materials. If the wooden vase has a simple design, it can also create a natural and fresh style when matched with such flowers.

Flower materials with thorns or hard stems (such as roses, Chinese roses, and hollies):

Brittle materials such as glass should be avoided to prevent the vase from breaking due to collision with the stems. Ceramic materials are more wear-resistant and a safer choice.

Aquatic flower materials (such as lotus flowers, water lilies, and bowl lotuses):

Materials with good sealing performance, such as ceramic and glass, should be chosen, and the vase body should have a certain depth to hold enough water. Wooden vases and unsealed clay vases are prone to leaking water and are not suitable for such flower materials.

III. Impact of Materials on Flower Arrangement Style and Scenario

The texture of the vase material itself will directly affect the overall style of the flower arrangement, which needs to coordinate with the flower materials and the environmental atmosphere:

Ceramic Vases:

Chinese-style ceramics, such as blue and white porcelain and famille rose, pair well with traditional flowers like peonies, plum blossoms, and orchids, creating an elegant classical atmosphere. In contrast, modern minimalist ceramics complement fresh flowers such as sunflowers and chamomiles, making them ideal for Nordic-style and minimalist spaces.

Glass Vases:

Transparent glass vases are perfect for showcasing brightly colored flowers like red roses and tulips. When combined with clear water, these arrangements offer a light and airy feel, fitting for modern, simple, and Instagram-friendly aesthetics. Colored glass vases, such as those in amber or emerald tones, can be used with vintage flowers to enhance the overall ambiance.

Wooden Vases:

The natural grain of wooden vases works beautifully with dried flowers, wheat, and small daisies, highlighting a pastoral or Japanese wabi-sabi style. When paired with fresh greenery such as radishes or ivy, they amplify the sense of natural vitality, making them suitable for spaces like balconies and tea rooms.

IV. Impact of Materials on Operational Convenience

Operations such as changing water, pruning, and cleaning during flower arrangement also vary due to different materials:

Glass or ceramic:

The inner wall is smooth, which is convenient for cleaning residual flower stem mucus and impurities. It is not easy to scratch hands when changing water, so it is suitable for beginners to operate.

Plastic:

When changing water, you need to handle it carefully to avoid excessive force, causing the bottle body to deform and affecting the fixation of flower materials.

To sum up, when choosing the material of a vase, it is necessary to consider the freshness preservation needs and morphological characteristics of the flower materials, as well as your usage scenarios and operating habits, so that the flower arrangement can be both beautiful and long-lasting.