!EXPRESS! FLOWERS : Alstroemeria

ALSTROEMERIA-- Alstroemeria are small trumpet -shaped flowers that have a vase life of 6 to 10 days with proper care. Originating in Chile and also known as a "Lily of the Andes", alstroemeria are available year round. Recognized for their wide variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, purple, salmon and white, these flowers are most commonly found in shades of pink. Often designed in a vase by themselves, alstroemeria can also be easily added to floral arrangements. Alstroemeria are usually packed in bunches that contain ten stems, all of the same color and measuring 22-30 inches.

Care and Handling:

Place 4-8 inches of cool water in a clean bucket and add preservative according to the manufacture's instructions on the package. (If the buds are tight, use warm water -at most 100 F -, in order to promote more rapid opening.)
When unpacking, avoid laying the bunches on top of one another to prevent breakage and other damage.
Cut the stems 2 to 3 inches and place in the solution, making sure that all the leaves below the water line have been removed . Even though the alstroemeria may appear limp, they should recover quite quickly.
Adjust the top of the plastic sleeve which covers each bunch, so that it is even with the the tops of the flowers. This will insure proper air circulation. If storing the flowers for more than 36 hours, remove the sleeves.
Avoid overcrowding the bucket.
Keep the flowers away from sources of ethylene gas such as ripe fruits and decaying plant material. Sources of carbon monoxide must also be avoided.
After two days in the solution, place the flowers in clean water. This water should be changed every day and the stems should be trimmed approximately 0.5 inch every two or three days to promote longevity.