HELICONIA
:
Most of the species
are not available year-round. Heliconias have blooming periods of
4-5 months.
Can
be stored in their boxes for up to 5 days. After that period, you
must unpack them for display. Never refrigerate below 55F. If submerging(flower)
blooms, drain water from open sheaths. Broken or bruised tips can
be trimmed if necessary. Flowers wich appear between bracts should
be removed before use.
TROPICAL
FOLIAGE
Can
be stored in their boxes for up to 10 days. After unpacking, stems
should be cut 1"- 2" from the bottom and placed in water at room temperature.
Flowers that appear limp or dry as a result of transportation delays
or exposure to excessive heat or cold should be completely submerged
in water of room temperature for 20-30 minutes before storing or displaying
them.
TEMPERATURE
Tropical
flowers and foliage come from warm, humid climates and cannot tolerate
cold temperatures for extended periods. Ideal storage temperature
is 55oF with exposure to temperatures as low as 45oF tolerable for
periods of only 4-6 hours. The flower most sensitive to the cold
is the heliconia.
HUMIDITY
The
ideal level of humidity is 90-95%. Occasional misting should be
done daily to maintain this level.