Anthuriums from Hawaii are known for their especially long vase life.
Depending on the variety and season, this heart-shaped favorite can retain
its straight-from-the-tropics freshness for up to 45 days. The following
tips from Hawaii's tropical flower experts will help you make the most of
the astonishing anthurium.
- Purchase flowers when the spadix -- the tail-like part, which is actually
a protruding floral cluster --has 75 percent open miniature flowers. You'll
know the anthurium is mature when the spadix changes color from a yellowish/off-white
to white and its surface becomes rougher.
-
- Unpack the flowers immediately -- and carefully. Creasing or folding
the heart-shaped part of the flower will cause the injured areas to darken.
-
- Trim 1/2 to 1 inch off the stems, being careful not to mash them.
-
- If the flowers are wilted or flaccid upon unpacking, submerge whole
flowers for 10 to 15 minutes in 70 to 80 degrees F water.
-
- Place the flowers in a clean vase -- and one that contains clean water
(with or without a floral preservative).
-
- Avoid storing anthuriums at temperatures lower than their ideal --55
degrees F-- for any length of time. This way you'll reduce the likelihood
of a chilling injury, which causes the flower to darken.
 Tell Your Customers
To...
Recut stems once.
Use clean water - with or without a floral preservative.
Keep flowers away from heat sources and drafts.
|
