The plumeria, also known as the lei flower or frangipani, is a tropical bloom celebrated for its intoxicating fragrance and waxy petals. These flowers have an extremely short vase life once separated from the plant, often wilting within mere hours of being picked. Preserving the delicate structure and vibrant color of a cut plumeria requires addressing its unique biological challenges immediately after picking.
Preparing the Plumeria Flower for Display
The moment a plumeria flower is picked, the plant releases a milky, sticky substance known as latex or sap. This latex quickly dries and forms a plug at the cut surface, preventing the flower from absorbing the water it needs to stay firm. Managing this natural sealing mechanism is the first step in preservation to ensure the pathway for hydration remains open.
It is best to harvest the flowers during the cool hours of the early morning when they have maximized their internal moisture content. Once the bloom is removed, the cut end needs immediate attention to stop the sap from blocking the vascular system. One effective method is to briefly dip the cut surface into hot water (140 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit) for about ten seconds. This action helps to coagulate the latex without damaging the petals.
Alternatively, the fresh cut can be sealed using a substance like petroleum jelly or melted, unscented wax, which physically blocks the sap from escaping and drying into a clog. Proper sealing is the most important step, as it buys the flower time to begin absorbing moisture from a hydration solution. Handle the petals gently during this process to avoid bruising the edges, which accelerates browning and decay.
Maximizing Freshness Through Hydration Solutions
Once the cut surface is prepared, the plumeria requires a specialized hydration solution to replace the nutrients and water it can no longer draw from the plant. Simply placing the flower in plain water is often not enough to sustain it for a prolonged period. A basic homemade floral food can significantly extend the display time by addressing two primary needs: energy and cleanliness.
The energy requirement is met by adding a small amount of sugar, such as two tablespoons per quart of water, which acts as a carbohydrate source for the cut flower’s metabolic processes. However, sugar also encourages the rapid growth of bacteria in the water, which can quickly clog the water-uptake cells in the flower base. To counteract this bacterial growth, a biocide must be included in the solution.
A small amount of household bleach (typically a quarter teaspoon per quart of water) serves as an effective biocide to keep the water clean and the vascular tissue clear. Adding a mild acid, like a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar, helps lower the solution’s pH. This lower acidity mimics the natural pH of plant sap, allowing for more efficient water uptake.
The hydration solution must be changed daily or every other day. To prevent the buildup of bacteria and maintain the water’s effectiveness, make a fresh cut to the bloom’s base each time the solution is changed.
Optimal Environmental Conditions for Display
The external environment plays a large role in how quickly a cut plumeria flower loses moisture and begins to wilt. Cut flowers continue to respire and transpire, meaning they are constantly using their internal energy stores and losing water vapor to the surrounding air. To slow down this metabolic process, the flowers should be kept in a cool environment.
Avoid placing plumeria flowers near direct sunlight, heat sources, or warm drafts, as these conditions increase the rate of water loss from the petals. A display area that is slightly cooler than typical room temperature will help to significantly reduce the flower’s respiration rate. High humidity also helps by reducing the difference in moisture levels between the flower and the air, slowing down transpiration.
Keep the flowers away from ripening fruit, such as bananas, apples, and avocados. These fruits release ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that accelerates the aging and decay process, leading to premature wilting. For temporary storage, plumeria blooms can be placed in a plastic container lined with a damp paper towel and stored in a refrigerator (ideally 40 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit).