Avoid Common Flower Ailments and Injuries
Are you following FLORALIFE® care and handling articles on the Floriology website? For the past several months we have shared some of the fruits of our ongoing floral research, including pieces on rose care, flower foods, cutting vs NOT cutting stems, and proper sanitation. This month, we take a look at common Flower Ailments and Injuries: Causes and Prevention.
And the keyword is Prevention. While some of these common maladies are treatable, you are much better off avoiding them altogether:
We say it because it’s true: when it comes to common flower ailments and injuries affecting cut flowers, an ounce of prevention IS worth a pound of cure. These unfortunate flower conditions directly impact your bottom line – specifically, a product you cannot sell and corrective action in your shop that distracts your team from income-producing activities.
Let’s consider some of the Usual Suspects: botrytis, ethylene, and physical damage; their causes and symptoms; and ways to avoid these profit-killers. Floriology
Let’s take a brief look at these problems. As always, you’ll find more complete info at the original piece…
Botrytis: Botrytis is a common fungus that’s often dormant, but can be activated by:
- Improper Humidity
- Improper Cold Chain
- Contagion from Other Flowers
- Physical Damage
- Ethylene Damage
…which can lead to symptoms like tissue damage and rot. Speaking of improper humidity, floral shipping boxes are a prime culprit. Here’s a hint: use FLORALIFE® Transport Paper!
Physical Damage: We sometimes touch or rub the blooms, or they rub against the cardboard box during shipping. FLORALIFE® gives you some solid, “handle with care” advice for avoiding these issues!
Ethylene: A flower killer and a big pain for the retailer, as it’s practically everywhere! Even small doses can cause a world of hurt, so we give you tips such as proper temperature and avoiding proximity to many known sources of ethylene. And, of course EthyBloc™ is an effective ethylene fighting tool you can use to combat this scourge!
Healthier Flowers AND Profits by FLORALIFE®!
With the right tools and preventive measures, healthier flowers and profits can be yours! Be sure to read the whole piece in Floriology. Then browse the FLORALIFE® website for flower tools and tips!