Conditioning
LEARNING THE BASICS - CONDITIONING FLOWERS
Conditioning refers to the preparation of plant material to help it retain its freshest possible state for the longest period of time. You will be able to enjoy your arrangements longer if you condition the plant material properly. LEVEL 2 General rules for types of plant material
STEMS WITH MILKY SAP The sap of these stems is necessary to retain the form of the stem and flowers. When you cut them, place them in their own container. The sap of some types is reputed to clog the cells of other types of flowers.
In the house, recut the stem to the length desired for your arrangement, then singe the end in a flame until it glows and is sealed. DO NOT RECUT, or if you must, then repeat this process. Replace the stem in clean water.
LIMP FLOWER HEADS
If blooms have bent over at the neck or foliage is limp, dip the bottom two inches of the stem end in shallow boiling water for 30 seconds and then place the stem back in cool water for a long drink. Protect the flowers and foliage from steam with a collar of newspaper. This will usually result in the heads perking up.
Most materials will benefit from this treatment.
LARGE OR MULTIPLE FLOWER HEADS
Some stems cannot sustain both the foliage and the flower heads. Hydrangeas are a perfect example. Remove most of the foliage from these types of materials, Retaining only what you need for the design. You might want to cut some stems just for the foliage and strip the foliage from flower stalks.
FOLIAGE Submerge foliage and single leaves (like magnolia or aspidistra) entirely underwater in a clean tub or pail for several hours. This will fully plump the leaf and stem cells with water.
DROOPY STEMS
Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to a quart of warm water to strengthen these stems. Flowers like Gerbera and tulips are prone to bending over and will remain more upright.
Many orders from
Arranged for you...
are packed in cornstarch packing pellets. Add 15 to 20 pellets to warm water and watch them dissolve. Then use as above.HOLLOW STEMS? You can fill hollow stems, like amaryllis, with water and then plug the stem with cotton.
PRESERVATIVES
These powders, meant to be dissolved in water, all contain agents to kill bacteria, acidify the water, and feed the stems. More is NOT better. Use only as directed.
Test your water. Acid water requires less, alkaline a little more.
Many gardeners make up their own brew.
HOME BREW Using pure neutral water, mix
1/2 teas bleach
1/4 teas. citric acid
3 teas. sugar
Ready for Level 3?
© 2008, AFY All rights reserved
Home | Shopping | Affiliates | About | Ideas | Learning | Feedback | Links | FAQ | Privacy Policy | Contact Info
