Eucalyptus is a highly sought-after decorative greenery, valued for its distinctive silvery-blue foliage and refreshing, camphor-mint aroma. It is a popular choice among florists and home decorators for its structural quality and visual texture. Its widespread use in bouquets and home décor leads to a common consumer question: how many stems constitute a standard purchase. The answer lies not in a fixed number but in the wholesale measurement practices of the floral industry.
What Defines a Standard Bunch
The industry standard for a “bunch” of eucalyptus is typically based on weight or volume rather than a precise stem count. This method, often referred to as a “grower’s bunch,” ensures a consistent visual fullness for the buyer, even if the number of individual stems fluctuates. Wholesale bunches generally range in weight from 200 to 500 grams, depending on the grade and species being sold.
An average bunch, such as the widely sold 300-gram size, usually contains between 8 and 12 stems of substantial length. For popular varieties like Silver Dollar or Seeded Eucalyptus, a typical commercial bunch often falls within the range of 5 to 10 stems. This variation accounts for natural differences in the plant material, where a few thicker, denser stems can equal the mass of many thinner ones.
Factors That Cause Stem Count Variation
The stem count within a bunch varies significantly due to the physical attributes of the plant material, particularly the stem caliper, or thickness. Since a bunch is sold by weight, stems with a high caliper result in a lower stem count compared to a batch of thinner, more delicate stems.
The specific species of eucalyptus also plays a significant role due to inherent differences in foliage density and stem structure. For instance, the large, rounded leaves and woody stems of Silver Dollar eucalyptus yield fewer stems in a weighted bunch. This is compared to the smaller-leafed, more slender stems of Baby Blue or Gunni varieties.
Vendor sourcing further contributes to the variation, distinguishing high-volume retailers from specialized florists. Supermarkets and bulk suppliers rely heavily on the weight-based grower’s bunch to quickly package high volumes, which can lead to larger fluctuations in stem count. Conversely, a local florist may break down a wholesale bunch and sell smaller, curated quantities, often prioritizing visual fullness over a specific stem count.
Making Your Eucalyptus Last
Once the eucalyptus is brought home, proper preparation is important for maximizing its longevity. The first step involves recutting the stem ends at a sharp 45-degree angle to increase the surface area for water absorption. It is also necessary to strip all foliage that would sit below the water line, as submerged leaves decompose and introduce bacteria that shorten the lifespan of the bunch.
The stems should then be placed into a clean container filled with fresh, room-temperature water, ideally mixed with a commercial flower food solution to aid hydration. Placing the arrangement in a cool location away from direct sunlight, drafts, and heat will slow the rate of moisture loss from the leaves. Changing the water every few days helps maintain a sterile environment, delaying the natural decay process.
Eucalyptus is prized for its ability to dry beautifully, extending its usefulness long after its fresh lifespan. Stems intended for long-term decorative use can be left in the vase until the water evaporates, allowing the leaves to dry slowly and preventing them from shriveling or warping. For those using eucalyptus in the shower, where aromatic oils are released by the steam, the stems can be hung upside down, continuing to provide scent as they dry out.