Proper Selection And Care Of Valentine Plants

31 January 2000
In addition to candy, cut flowers and other plants are also popular gifts on Valentine's Day each year. All too often cut flowers are short-lived because we fail to treat them properly at home.

The following suggestions should help to extend the life of cut flowers and make those memories of the day last longer.

First of all, always purchase good quality flowers. Flowers are just like any other purchase -- you only get what you pay for. Shop around for a good selection, and think about purchasing unusual flowers instead of the same type year after year.

Once you've made your selection, make certain the flowers are well protected for the trip home, if they are not delivered for you. Flowers that are securely wrapped will be protected on the way to the car, and ask the dealer for an additional cover if the weather is very cold. Remember that the flowers and buds are quite tender and can be severely injured by freezing temperatures if allowed to remain in a cold car for any length of time.

Before leaving the store, ask for flower preservatives that you can mix with water at home. This material slows the growth of bacteria in the water and extends the life of the flowers. As soon as the flowers are inside, remove the lower leaves from the stems. Foliage in the water will quickly decompose and allow bacteria to grow. Then put the flowers in clean warm water in a clean container, and remember to change the water on a regular basis to keep it as fresh as possible.

After the flowers have been arranged, keep them as cool as possible. Heat takes moisture from the leaves and flowers causing them to wilt rapidly. Ideal storage temperature ranges between 32 and 35 degrees but never below freezing. Unfortunately, display areas are considerably warmer. To extend the life of flowers, put the display into cool storage during the evening or at times when no one is home.

But beware, certain cold storage conditions can shorten the life of cut flowers. Avoid putting cut flowers into an enclosed area where fruits and vegetables are stored. These items give off very small quantities of ethylene gas, which is a natural by product of maturing plant material. The gas is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Exposure to the gas will cause the flowers to age and fade quickly. The refrigerator is probably not the best spot for any flowers, unless only meat and dairy products are stored.

Avoid extreme conditions around cut flowers. Drafts near doors and warm air moving from heat sources take water from the leaves and flowers, which shortens the indoor life of cut flowers.

Potted, flowering plants will have a much longer life in the home because they come with a supporting root system. Remember that these plants were produced under ideal greenhouse conditions prior to sale. Even under optimum indoor conditions such plants might decline slightly until they acclimate to the existing conditions.

Flowering plants should also be kept away from temperature extremes that can injure either roots or foliage. Give them as much bright light as possible, but avoid direct sunlight until the plant adjusts to the indoor conditions. Winter humidity is low and plants may dry out quickly. Keep the root system uniformly moist but not soaked.

Once the plant shows signs of any new growth, begin to use a soluble fertilizer at one-half the package directions until warmer, brighter weather arrives in spring.

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**Dr. Robert Nuss is a horticulturist at Penn State. He coordinates all extension horticulture programs. He has bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in ornamental horticulture and has been on the Penn State faculty since 1966.