Conditioning techniques

Prepare and care for Floristry Stock Receive and Store floristry Stock Special techniques

• Recutting stems • Fresh water • Scalding • Bathing • Floral Preservative • Refrigeration

Recutting stems

• All materials • Cut on angle • Use sharp cutters or secateurs • Avoid breaking or snapping stems • Place in water immediately after cutting Clean vase/Fresh water

• All plant materials • Ensure vase has been cleaned thoroughly after each use • No residue in vase • Change every 2nd day • Ensure appropriate water level – varies • Minimise length of time out of water

Scalding

• Process of expelling air bubbles or air locks from the stem cells to ensure maximum uptake of water. • Process involves recutting stems and then dipping them into a heat proof container of boiling water for approx. 30 seconds – 1 min or until bubbles no longer appear • Undertaken when show signs of dehydration Scalding

• Specific species of flowers • Ensure water has hit boiling point • Use a heat proof container for the water (no glass) • Recut stems immediately before scalding • Dip in 2cm of hot water for approx. 30 seconds • Have fresh vase of room temperature water ready • Plunge stems immediately into fresh water before stems are blocked again

Flowers that benefit

• Hydrangea • • Sunflowers • Grevillea • Hydrangea foliage • Hybrid delphinium • Gerberas

Bathing/Soaking

• A technique by which flowers are submerged entirely under cool water to allow absorption through the head to rehydrate.

• Undertaken when flowers have been out of water for great length of time and show signs of dehydration or when flowers have been imported from overseas i.e. tropical blooms Bathing/Soaking

• Use a large tub and make sure it is full • Do not overcrowd or squash the flowers when soaking • Soak for approx. 10-30 mins depending on level of dehydration and flower type • Make sure blooms are fully submerged • Once removed recut stems and place in fresh water Flowers that benefit

• Dendrobium orchids • Vanda orchids • Anthuriums • Heliconias • Violets • Bush • Hydrangea • Roses Floral preservative

• Most plant materials • Use appropriate preservative if available • Use as per directions – one sachet or one scoop per ½ litre usually – varies • Ensure other basic conditioning has also been undertaken – clean vase/water, recut stems • Use each time vase water is changed

Refrigeration

• Use a specific cool room or fridge for plant materials • Ensure temperature is set correctly and maintained • Do not place old flowers or in this space • Do not overcrowd buckets • Ensure that flowers are not pressed against walls of cool room • Ensure good circulation around flowers • Date code plant materials

Refrigeration

• Refrigeration should be undertaken as part of the conditioning process in conjunction with recutting stems, fresh vase/water etc.

• Ideal temperatures can vary however a general rule is 4-6 degrees for most flowers Flowers that DO NOT benefit

• Most flowers will benefit from reducing the temperature in their environment as it slows the respiration rate and hence the aging process. • Flowers that do not benefit include most tropical blooms • Do not keep flowers in cool room for prolonged periods

References

• http://www.schreurs.nl/news/3830/Standard-gerberas-Tribella-and-Sporza.html • http://news.wedding.auz.com/category/wedding-news/ • http://www.heliconias.net/heliconia_erec_caribea_jaquini.htm • http://www.tropical-plants-flowers-and-decor.com/dendrobium-orchid-care.html • http://gallery.chrisraper.me.uk/displayimage.php?album=42&pos=4 • http://www.gardenersnet.com/flower/giantsunflowers.htm • http://www.brookehouse.net/anthurium.htm