Orchid Care and Handling

Written by Gay Smith
The orchid family consists of approximately 35,000 species grown in diverse climates.The most common orchids used as cut flowers in the floral trade are of tropical origin and include dendrobians, phalenopsis, vandas, cymbidiums, arachnis, cattleyas and oncidiums.Temperature:Recommend to store orchids between 50-60F with 90-95% humidityConsider their tropical origins and store in a similar environment. Some species suffer chill damage when temperatures drop below 60F, others are much less sensitive. Cymbidiums for example can be stored as cold as 40-45F, but generally, warm and humid is best.Processing:Remove cotton, cut stems and place in Chrysal Professional #2. This is a low-sugar food that acidifies the solution to stimulate uptake and keeps pollution in check. Sugar provides the energy to keep blooms opening and stabilize color.If flowers arrive in water tubes, remove, give fresh cut and place in Chrysal Professional #2.If tubes are re-used, empty and refill with fresh Professional #2.Keep flowers dry to reduce spotting problems (Botrytis). Do not spray or soak blooms. If flowers arrive wet or condensation inside sleeves, allow moisture to evaporate before placing in cooler.Ethylene sensitivity:All orchids suffer ethylene sensitivity to some degree. Once flowers are exposed, the damage is irreversible. A 1-2 hour STS treatment at grower level is recommended.Once flowers are at bqt-maker, wholesaler or retail customer:

• Avoid exposure to external ethylene sources as fruit, vegetables, exhaust and cigarette smoke.

• Avoid storing in tightly closed plastic bags.

• Work clean—change solution in tubes on arrival

• Treat with properly-dosed flower food solution

• Provide good ventilation—don’t cram buckets

Symptoms of ethylene damage include:

• Changing flower color

• Drooping / shattering blooms

• Shriveled, brown buds

• Water soaked patches on petals

• Yellow / brown sepals and petals