Conditioning Unusual flowers

To get the very best out of some of the more unusual varieties of flower, it is essential to condition them appropriately. This will ensure that your anniversary or birthday flowers will look their best for as long as possible. Although the day itself might only last 24 hours, there is no reason your birthday flowers shouldn’t last at least a week. Here are some tips for just a few of the flower varieties we can supply:

Anigozanthos – Kangaroo Paw

Conditioning/care - Even if the stems appear limp, they will soon pick up once cut
and put in water. They like it best in temperatures around 5°C. They will last approx.
10 days. The tips are prone to drying out; recut the stems frequently to avoid this
happening and keep water topped up. Handle with care as they do have a tendency to tangle.

Amaryllis – Hippeastrum

Conditioning/care - Re cut the stems straight, not slanted, handle with care as the
stems are hollow and delicate. Curling of the bottom of the stems whilst in the vase
will not affect the quality of the flower. Lasts approx. 10 days. Avoid keeping
amaryllis below 5°C as this can cause discoloration of the petals and delay opening
buds.

Amaranthus

Conditioning/care - Re cut stems and place in fresh, lukewarm water and add
flowers food. Good ventilation is important to stop moisture being trapped in the
flowers, which can leave to botrytis. Make sure no leaves are touching the water.
They last approx. 7 days. Trailing amaranthus can be very top heavy, so make sure it is place in a tall, weighty container to avoid stems snapping and vase falling over.

Crocosmia

Conditioning/care - Flowers tend to open better if kept in water rather than using
floral foam to display. They tend to last 7-10 days and need to be put into water
straight away. They are very prone to the effects of ethylene gas, so keep away from
mature flowers and excess heat.

Cymbidium orchid

Conditioning/care - Remove from plastic vials and re cut stems. Be very careful
when touching flowers as the flowers bruise easily. Avoid temperature fluctuations as
this can cause the flowers to dehydrate. Again, keep away from sources of ethylene gas.

Eucalyptus

Conditioning/care - Eucalyptus dries out very quickly, so place in water
immediately, keep water topped up. Lasts approx. 10 days. Prolong the life of the
eucalyptus by keeping the humidity high, approx. 95%. Keep away from draughts.

Euphorbia fulgens

Conditionining/care - Remove most of the leaves. If flowers droop, re cut stems and
stand in very hot water for 10 seconds. They will benefit from cut flower food. Lasts
approx. 7-10 days. Avoid fluctuations of temperature as well as excess humidity, as
this can cause the flowers to droop.

Ornithogalum – Chincherinchee

Conditioning/care - Keep in deep water and keep it topped up. Doesn’t mind a cool
environment but flower buds will only open if lights are kept on if cold. Last 10-14
days, removing old flowers will encourage other buds to open.

Protea

Conditioning/care - Re cut stems with secateurs. Can be stored for up to two weeks
in a cool environment, they need good air circulation to avoid fungus developing in
the flower head. Last up to two weeks.

Tuber Rose

Conditioning/care- They can be kept for 3-4 days without water, although this can
reduce the strong scent. Vase life is approx. 2 weeks. Remove the top bud to prevent
stem curvature.

Birthday flowers

Last Update: 3rd April 2007