1. FLORAL ARRANGEMENT CARE

2. IMPORTANCE OF LONG LASTING ARRANGEMENTS Pleased customers! If arrangements wilt quickly customers will find another floral shop

3. COMMON REASONS FOR DETERIORATION

4. ALKALINITY Water movement through flower is sped-up. Remedy: Use a preservative to lower the pH to 3.5-4

5. BACTERIA & FUNGI Clogs vascular system, decays flowers, produces ETHYLENE Remedy: Use clean buckets, lower pH, keep cool, keep leaves out of water, recut stems

6. 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.

7. LOW NUTRITION Flowers starve Remedy- Use preservative, replenish preservative every few days

8. HIGH TEMPERATURE Increases bacteria growth, increases metabolism Remedy- store in cooler temperature, out of sunlight

9. LOW HUMIDITY Flowers dry out/wilt Remedy- maintain 90% humidity in the cooler, cover greens, use “crowning glory”

10. PREVENTING DETERIORATION

11. 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?

12. PREVENTING DETERIORATION Plants travel without water, transpiration occurs, Water is lost by the plant= wilting occurs. Rate of transpiration is decreased in lower temperature & high humidity.

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

14. PREVENTING DETERIORATION Keep the refrigerator clean. Botrytis is a fungus that causes decay on petals- caused by unclean coolers, allowing blooms to get wet.

15. PREVENTING DETERIORATION Ethylene quickens maturity. Remove damaged parts of the flowers, keep away from exhaust fumes

16. CONDITIONING FLOWERS

17. Conditioning- Techniques of treating flowers to extend their life.

18. WHAT TO DO WHEN FLOWERS ARRIVE 1.Wash buckets with cleaner 2.Mix preservative 3.Inspect for damage 4.Remove damaged flowers/foliage 5.Wash shears and recut stems under preservative water 6.Remove foliage that will be under water 7.Place in preservative water 8.Remove sleeves (except roses) 9.Allow to sit at room temperature- Absorb water 10.Place in cooler before use

19. USE PRESERVATIVES Preservatives should include: Nutrients Lower the pH Contain a Biocide- kills bacteria

20. PRESERVATIVES Many commercial preservatives are available Home recipe: 50 % 50 % Sprite (citric acid) 1-2 teaspoons of bleach Nutrients, acid, biocide.

21. ANTITRANSPIRANTS Transpiration causes a loss of water. Prevent transpiration from occurring. Sprayed directly on the foliage/ flowers.

22. MAINTAIN THE COLD CHAIN Growers Shippers Wholesalers Retail Florist Customer

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