Just doing a straw poll, how long do you think those branchy driftwood sold at LFS can last?

I am asking because I was tinkering with some bought (and submerged in water) since 2005, and one of the thicker branches snapped, to my sadness (i should have held it on the heavier end on hindsight).

I also noticed that the texture of the branches become much more coarse and can peel off easily.

GS