cut flowers

whenever i buy a bunch of cut flowers that contain Gerbera, after they have been in the vase a couple of days the gerbera's always start to droop and by day 3 or 4 they are hanging down the side of the vase but not dead. Does anyone know why?:confused:

 

I've been there with the plant too. I don't know the answer, but think that they maybe don't like direct sunlight/too much heat. Cut flowers do behave differently - just think of all the tricks used with them (2p in the vase/bleach or lemonade in the vase/prick tulips at the top of the stem etc), and the different levels of water required by various flowers - it's no wonder that some out of a bunch don't do well.

Mind you, I've never had joy with gerbera!

 

One of the ones a florist has given me is soluble aspirin-dont buy bcut flowers all that often or (since wedding) get that many bought for me so..........., otherwise I have been told to change the water everyday-not worth the effort and expense eventually.

There a million and one different tips

 

I don't know much about this but I am sure I heard adding sugar to the water helped. You melt the sugar in a little hot water and when it has cooled add it to the vase...or was that for roses:confused:

 

Tweaky, is Arthur your ex Pole dancing penguin? South, that is.:D

 

I'm not sure cause he tells fibs...think he escaped from Chester Zoo to be honest...but he's very cuddly and doesn't suffer with flatulence like Nigel.

 

I dunno, there`s something fishy about him.:eek:

 

That's cause I make him take Cod Liver Oil on a daily basis.:rolleyes:

 

Well, it`s not working. I think his joints need treating with WD40. :thumb: Assuming it IS a he?

 

Hey, just hang on a minute...the WD40 is for me...and I can assure you, he is definitely a he...as Nigel found out one night when he'd had a few bevies. :D

 

He didn`t pppick up a Penguin, by any chance?:eek: I hope he hasn`t developed snowballs.:D

 

This is what I Googled
http://www.flowercouncil.org/us/For_Florists/Care_Handling/Gerbera.asp
Tips for care in the home
Use clean vases and clean water.
If you have a mixed bouquet which includes Gerbera, use cut flower food.
Gerbera always grow in an upward direction. It is wise to remember this when planning your bouquet or arrangement.
Gerbera only need a small layer of water. If the water level is too high, the stem will uptake to much water and rot off where is meets the edge of the vase. Replace the vase water every two days, adding flower food.
If the Gerbera begin to droop, take them out of the vase and cut a portion off the stem base (stem should be white inside, not brown) and place the Gerbera back in the vase, where they can hydrate and become upright again.
Always use a sharp knife to cut Gerbera stems, never scissors. Gerbera have a very soft stem and a scissor will easily damage them.
Never place Gerberas above a radiator or in bright sunlight. Avoid draughts.
Gerbera is sensitive to ethylene. Keep away from ripening fruit and exhaust gases, which release the aging hormone Ethylene.

 

That sounds like far to much hasle:rolleyes: why not wrap a piece florists wire around the stem to support it?:thumb:


http://floristry.blog.co.uk/?tag=wiring-gerbera-correctly

 

Or even better tell the florist to leave it out

 

They are certainy sensitive souls!