Chapter 5 Postharvest Processing, Conditioning, and Storage 113 its journey. If a substantial percentage of the shipment is damaged or not as expected, the fl orist should contact the grower or wholesale fl orist immediately to the quality of the shipment. Rehydration Water is the single most important element to keep fl owers fresh after delivery from a supplier. Rehydration is therefore a top priority, especially when fl owers are in water that contains a hydrating solution, Figure 5-9. This solution is formulated to encourage the to take up water, so they recover more quickly. The process is usually performed at room temperature. Many people refer to this process of rehydrating and providing nutrients to the cut fl owers as conditioning. Water Uptake When a fl ower is harvested, it forms a scab-like seal at the cut end. When of cut fl owers arrives at the fl ower shop, stems should be recut at an angle 2″–3″ above the cut end to remove the scab and provide a new, clean entry for through Materials wholesaler be cut initially a commercial cutter, Figure 5-10 . This should be done before the stems are rehydrated to maximize rehydration the time fl owers are without water. Even after the stem is recut, clogging of the xylem may prevent it from taking One of is bacteria microorganisms fl ow into the xylem along with the Bacteria on the knife, in the containers, or even in the water itself when decaying leaves are left below the waterline can enter the xylem. As the bacteria multiply, the stem becomes clogged. For this reason, containers and tools must be cleaned and checked on a regular basis. Scrubbing the containers with small amounts of a bleach solution helps prevent bacteria from growing. Commercial cleaners are also available. Plastic containers are preferred. They are lightweight and easy to keep clean. Tools can be cleaned by scrubbing with soap and water. Safety Note Use the Right Tool for the Job When recutting stems, use a very sharp floral knife. Using a knife that has a dull blade can lead to accidental injury both to the stem and to the person doing the recutting. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 5-9. Stems are placed in water containing hydrating Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 5-10. Recutting the stems upon arrival removes the clot or scab at the cut end and allows the take for cient rehydration. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. e befo ma e ion a nd minimize t w , ing st common cau xy e 5- m 96 Principles of Floral Design Floral designers use many types of stems for a variety applications, on the or fl equisetum, scouring rush, has a hollow stem between stem allows a fl to to or is especially useful in contemporary style arrangements. A rhizome a that grows horizontally The of put and then form new plants. irises are examples of fl owering plants that have rhizomes. Roots Roots are the foundation of can many forms, as shown in Figure . have four major functions: • Support and anchor the • Absorb and carry water • Store food and minerals. • Provide a source of reproduction in certain types of plants. Some plants can produce roots from a cutting taken from a leaf and or stem. This method of plant reproduction is called vegetative reproduction. African violets, mother-in-law’s tongue, peperomia, and pothos can be propagated (reproduced) by leaf Methods of asexual vegetative propagation include grafting, cutting, budding, and division, and occur by using a portion of the plant itself, Figure 4-15 . Some plants produce root sprouts, or branches used in vase designs are an example of easy propagation. If in a vase fi lled with water, cut willow branches eventually develop root systems. Plant Physiology Whereas plant anatomy describes the internal structures of a plant, plant physiology describes the functions of the various of Plant functions include how the receives and nutrients and as as it the energy needed for growth. Leaf Functions Leaves are the primary site of photosynthesis , the process by which green transform light into chemical energy for food. This requires ingredients: water, When chlorophyll (green in leaves is to these ingredients, it them to produce the carbohydrates, or sugars, the plant needs Did You Know? The largest stem in the world, the trunk of the giant sequoia tree, is up to 136 yards (115 m) tall and 9 yards (8 m) wide. Pro Tip Many professionals use a rooting hormone powder containing the hormone auxin to give the leaf or stem cutting a good “head start” when propagating plants using vegetative reproduction. Quang Ho/Shutterstock.com Figure 4-13. Carnations are cut above or below a so the slender internodal part of the stem can be inserted into the design. Internode Node Node Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc..nc Safety Notes alert students of proper procedures and safe use of potentially dangerous materials Illustrations have been designed to clearly and simply communicate specific topics Pro Tips provide students with advice and guidance that is especially applicable for an on-the-job designer Step-by-Step Procedures for instructors and students are illustrated and highlighted throughout the textbook to provide clear instructions for hands-on floral design re al w the s ich his ide. edients, needs Will cox o , I 272 Principles of Floral Design Long and Low or Double-Ended Triangle Arrangement For this project, you will need the following plant materials: seven or eight pink carnations, nine purple larkspur, 16 yellow daisies, Monte Cassino aster, leatherleaf, and a second green foliage with a different texture than the leatherleaf. You will also need a double utility bowl, one block of wet fl oral foam, anchor tape, water, scissors, a fl oral knife, and two coordinating pillar candles (optional). The leaf placement will establish the height, width, and length of the double-ended triangle arrangement. 3 Staying within the parameters set by the beginning of the greens, complete greening the arrangement with leatherleaf and the second greenery. 4 Place the fully soaked floral foam in the utility bowl and secure with anchor tape. If you are using pillar candles, insert them before inserting any greens or flowers. The candles should be inserted first or the stems of the plant materials will interfere with the base of the candles. 1 Insert the leatherleaf into the foam to form an outline. 2 step-by-step Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.