The
Anthurium
The elegant blooms of this tropical
aroid are produced and sold throughout the world.
The true flowers are found on the
"spadix", the upright organ in the center of the "spathe",
which is the decorative petal-like organ surrounding the
spadix.
Although anthuriums are sensitive
to low temperatures, they have a long vase life when properly
handled.
The end of their vase life is usually
the result of inability to draw water from the vase solution,
and is associated with loss of glossiness and then blueing
of the spathe.
Most of the water lost by the flower
evaporates from the spadix. Application of wax, to prevent
this water loss, or pulsing with silver nitrate, to improve
water relations of the flower, can extend their vase life
considerably.
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.
When you are ready to put yout Anthuriums into water
- Re cut stems once with a sharp knife
Use clean water - with or without a floral preservative.
Keep flowers away from heat sources and drafts.
Maturity
The proportion of open flowers
on the spadix determines the maturity of anthurium flowers.
In immature anthuriums, the spadix is smooth. Flower opening
starts at the base of the spadix and proceeds upwards;
spadices with open flowers are noticeably rough. Although
producers in some countries harvest anthuriums when as
little as 20% (1/5) of the spadix is rough, Hawaiian growers
harvest flowers when only 1/4 of the spadix is still smooth
(3/4 of the flowers are therefore open). Harvesting anthuriums
when more mature increases overall vase life.
Harvesting
The flowers are removed from the
plant using shears.
Pre-treatments
Pre-treated flowers are not harmed
by vase preservatives but derive no additional benefit
from them. Anthuriums can have a vase life of up to 3
weeks if properly treated. Even after a week of storage,
vase life can be adequate, if proper techniques are used
to handle the flowers. It seems reasonable that vase life
problems are associated with bacterial contamination of
the cut stem bases. If anthuriums are placed in water
after harvest, a biocide (e.g. 50 ppm hypochlorite) should
be added.
Packing
Anthuriums are normally packaged
individually. They are commonly packed in moist shredded
newsprint or other shredded paper. Major damage during
transportation is the result of spadices puncturing the
spathe of neighboring flowers in the pack. Many producers
now sheathe the flowers in small plastic bags and pack
the anthuriums more densely in the box.
Chilling Injury
Anthuriums are very sensitive to
"chilling" injury. Holding the flowers for any length
of time at temperatures below 10° C (50° F) will induce
purpling, browning, and then necrosis. Anthuriums should
therefore never be pre-cooled with other flowers, nor
held in low temperature cool-rooms.
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