FLORAL A

RRANGEMENT

CARE

IMPORTANCE OF LONG LASTING ARRANGEMENTSPleased customers!If arrangements wilt quickly

customers will find another floral shop

COMMON REASONS FOR DETERIORATION

ALKALINITYWater movement through flower is sped-

up.

Remedy: Use a preservative to lower the pH to 3.5-4

BACTERIA & FUNGIClogs vascular system, decays flowers,

produces ETHYLENE

Remedy: Use clean buckets, lower pH, keep cool, keep leaves out of water, recut stems

AIR Keeps water from moving up the stems

Remedy: Cut stems under water, use warm water, soak foam properly, do not “pull back” on stems when inserting into the foam.

LOW NUTRITIONFlowers starve

Remedy- Use preservative, replenish preservative every few days

HIGH TEMPERATURE

Increases bacteria growth, increases metabolism

Remedy- store in cooler temperature, out of sunlight

LOW HUMIDITYFlowers dry out/wilt

Remedy- maintain 90% humidity in the cooler, cover greens, use “crowning glory”

PREVENTING DETERIORATION

PREVENTING DETERIORATION

Floral stems are partially blocked when arriving at floral shop. Caused by using dull equipment.

Air, bacteria enter the stem and block the xylem.

Why is this a problem?

PREVENTING DETERIORATIONPlants travel without water, transpiration occurs,

Water is lost by the plant= wilting occurs.

Rate of transpiration is decreased in lower temperature & high humidity.

PREVENTING DETERIORATION

Plants still need food! Process of photosynthesis still occurs after flowers are cut. Provide with sugar & sunlight.

PREVENTING DETERIORATIONKeep the refrigerator clean.

Botrytis is a fungus that causes decay on petals- caused by unclean coolers, allowing blooms to get wet.

PREVENTING DETERIORATIONEthylene quickens maturity.

Remove damaged parts of the flowers, keep away from exhaust fumes

CONDITIONING FLOWERS

CONDITIONING FLOWERSConditioning- Techniques of treating

flowers to extend their life.

WHAT TO DO WHEN FLOWERS ARRIVE1. Wash buckets with cleaner2. Mix preservative3. Inspect for damage4. Remove damaged flowers/foliage5. Wash shears and recut stems under preservative water6. Remove foliage that will be under water7. Place in preservative water8. Remove sleeves (except roses)9. Allow to sit at room temperature- Absorb water10.Place in cooler before use

USE PRESERVATIVESPreservatives should include:• Nutrients• Lower the pH• Contain a Biocide- kills bacteria

PRESERVATIVESMany commercial preservatives are available

Home recipe:50 % 50 % Sprite (citric acid)1-2 teaspoons of bleach

Nutrients, acid, biocide.

ANTITRANSPIRANTSTranspiration causes a loss of water.

Prevent transpiration from occurring. Sprayed directly on the foliage/ flowers.

MAINTAIN THE COLD CHAIN• Growers• Shippers• Wholesalers• Retail Florist• Customer

SUMMARY• Unpack quickly• Cleanliness• Provide water• Keep cool 36-40 degrees• Use preservative• Cut flowers under water• Remove damaged foliage/flowers• Antitranspirants