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ORCHIDS - CUT FLOWER GENERAL CARE

STORAGE:
Orchid flowers are not commonly stored. because the flowers generally last longer on the plants. They can be held for short and long terms under optimum conditions, however. Most orchids are of tropical origin, so they should be stored in similar environment. SOME SPECIES ARE COLD TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE. Generally, WARM AND HUMID is the key.

For long term storage, general recommendations are:
A. Cattleya Vanda, Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis -- stored for up to 2 weeks at 40° - 45° F (4° - 7° C)

B. Cymbidium, Paphiopedilum -- can be held at colder temperatures:
        hold up to 3 weeks at 33°-35° F (0° -2° C).   Longer storage results in chilling injury which can show up in 24 hours as blackening or browning of flower parts. These flowers can last 6 to 7 weeks on the plant.

C. Oncidium, Archnis Renanthera -- avoid extended storage (greater than 1 week).

For short term storage:
Store at 50°-55° F (10° -14° C), 90-95% humidity for up to 1 week. Many floral operations have a separate cooler for orchids and tropicals.

Some orchids may be stored dry-pack, but generally they should have their stems in vials of water. Preservative may be used in the water tubes, but there is not consistent evidence showing that it extends vase life, but mainly helps by keeping water in tubes clean. Make sure all tubes are full prior to storage.

ETHYLENE: Some orchid species are very sensitive to ethylene, so particular precautions should be taken to ensure adequate ventilation and sanitary conditions are used. Avoid storing in tightly closed plastic bags.

The range of ethylene sensitivity includes:
        MOST SENSITIVE -- Vanda. Last I day after exposure. Symptoms include loss of color in petals and sepals, water-soaked patches.

        LESS SENSITIVE -- Cattleya, Cymibidium (minis more sensitive), Paphiopedilum - Last only a few days after exposure. Symptoms include loss of color, yellowing brown sepals and petals, water-soaked patches.

        NOT SENSITIVE -- Dendrobium, Oncidium
        - A one hour pulse with STS as a pretreatment for sensitive flowers may be helpful, but there is no conclusive evidence at this time.

        - Since some species are ethylene sensitive, particular precautions should be taken to ensure adequate ventilation and sanitary conditions.

POINTS OF INTEREST

GROWERS:

- Select hybrids and varieties that have been developed and tested for commercial production and are long-lived.

- Harvest Stage -- There are differences based on variety, shipping distances, time of year, etc. GENERALLY, individual flowers are harvested 3 to 4 days after opening. If cut too early, they will fail to develop normally off the plant. Other specifics include:

        Cymbidium: Sprays -- harvest when top 2-3 buds are open.
        Dendrobium: Sprays -- harvest when 3 to 4 buds are left on the spray.
        Phalaenopsis: Harvest individual flowers when fully wide open, 4-5 in (10-12.5 cm) across.
        Oncidium: Harvest sprays when only 6 buds still not open at tip. Don't wait too long or lower flowers will              soon fall off.

-Handling -- Cut orchids should be moved quickly from the greenhouse to packing benches. Many growers believe that immediate packing is preferable to holding flowers for 24 hours or more. Some growers soak flowers in water, especially if they will be shipped long distances. Hardening in 80° F (27° C) water at 50 °F (10° C) air temperature for 24 hours is recommended prior to storage.

-Anti-transplants -- These are used by some growers to prevent excess water loss transit. especially with Dendrobium. The flowers are dipped. placed on saran benches, and allowed to dry completely (15-20 minutes) before being bunched, cut and wrapped. Fans can be used to ensure complete drying.

-Packing -- For immediate packing, stems are recut and flowers inserted into water tubes (orchid tubes).  These tubes are widely used, although water-soaked cotton is used to wrap stems. Cotton and tubes may be used together, and there is also a type of water-filled "balloon" that is used. Cotton mainly helps to keep stem from drying out, but doesn't provide a constant water supply.

Commercial preservatives are used by some growers in water tubes, but there is not consistent data showing how long vase life can be extended with these solutions.

-Special shipping and packing materials must be used for these delicate flowers. Spray types may be bunched and sleeved. Whole spikes are placed in a water tube and laid in boxes. Individual flowers are wrapped in shredded wax paper to prevent mechanical damage. Special box inserts hold individual flowers and sprays for extra protection.

-NOTE: Make sure flowers are dry before packing in boxes. TAKE STEPS TO AVOID FREE WATER IN BETWEEN PLASTIC AND FLOWERS. Sleeves can be put on so that they do not incorporate the tube or wet cotton so that water does not get into wrapper. Improper packaging and excess water can lead to problems in transit. This has especially been noticed with Dendrobium.

WHOLESALERS / SHIPPERS:

        -Do not put in cold storage. Maintain in warm, humid conditions (50°-55° F, 10° - 14° C air temperature and 90-95% humidity) in a well-ventilated area.

        -CHECK WATER LEVELS in tubes -- make sure there is sufficient water to maintain freshness.

        -If spray orchids are put into holding buckets, avoid overcrowding so flowers don't get tangled.

RETAILERS:

    -In purchasing -- avoid flowers if discolored, brown, or wilted; avoid sprays with excess flower drop. Don't just order "orchids" -- order by species and/or variety.

    -Upon arrival: unpack as soon as possible to prevent accumulation of ethylene gas. REMOVE FIRST since easily prone to damage; remove any damaged flowers, as they will emit ethylene; handle gently and take special care to see that flowers are not bruised or allowed to rub against on another or rough surfaces.

    -If orchids were delivered dry pack, or without attached vials of water, recut stem ends and place them in tubes of water.

    -In tubes -- recut stems and CHANGE WATER. It's a good idea to start out with a tresh supply since water quality is so variable.

    -For special, replace orchids in shipping carton or place tubes upright in rack.

    -If spray orchids are put into holding buckets or containers, avoid overcrowding so flowers don't get tangled.

    -Maintain in warm, humid conditions with adequate air ventilation.

    -Misting and soaking are often recommended and may help, but have not consistently been shown to increase vase life. AVOID soaking Oncidium, arachnids, and renanthera.

    -Orchids are elegant not only in corsages but arrangements as well. Commercial floral preservative may be used in water tubes, corsages, and arrangements although there is not consistent evidence showing that it extends vase life, but mainly helps keep water clean.

    -Advise customers: Orchid corsages -- keep at 45°-55° F (5° -13° C ) or in the refrigerator when not being worn; avoid storing near fresh fruit and vegetables; mist flowers and place in plastic bag for storage; replace water in vials if they were included -- one of the biggest is not enough water.

    -Arranged orchids: -replenish preservative solution daily; keep cool, especially at night; avoid heat sources and drafts; keep away from fresh fruit and vegetables. Remove old flowers from sprays as they wither.

    -EDUCATE: Tell customers what kind of orchids they have purchased!

SPECIAL PROBLEMS & TIPS

1. CHILLING INJURY -- Remember, orchids originally come from the tropics and cannot tolerate normal cold-storqe temperatures, with the exception of a few species and/or cultivator (e.g. certain types of Cymbidium) which can be stored at 33° F (O° C). Temperatures of less than 45° F (7° C ) can produce chilling injury symptoms on many varieties. Identify chilling injury by abrupt Ioss of color of the flower and wilting of stems.  Maintain orchids at 45° - 50° F (7° -10° C) for the better lasting qualities.

2. WATER -- To help maintain freshness, keep stems in water vials (tubes) or tape a piece of moistened cotton to the cut stem. The moistened cotton simply keeps stem end from drying out -- the stem does not actually draw water out of cotton.

3. SO MANY SPECIES -- Use books and posters to learn your flowers. Ordering by name helps you to get the right flowers you need. Share this information with your customers.

Source: Society of American Florists

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