| | | | Care & Handling Instructions |  |
| 1. Tropicals must be stored preferanly at 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees celsius), not lower than 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees celsius) or higher than 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees celsius) and 90%-95% relative humidity.
2. Immediate unpacking is not necessary. In fact the following varieties can be stored in their shipping boxes for the time period indicated.
Foliage 5-8 days
Ginger 2-3 days
Heliconias 2-3 days
3. When unpacking, stems should be cut under water 2 inches from the bottom using a sharp knife or underwwater cutter. Always use clean, sterilized buckets withroom temperature water. Water pH should be lowered to 3.0 - 4.0 as a low pH increses speed of hydration and reduces bacterial growth.
4. Water depth should be at least 4.5 inches to 8 inches as deeper water increases speed of hydration. Remove any foliage that may be below the waterline to avoid rotting.
5. Flowers that appear limp or dry as a result of transportation delays or exposure to excessive heat or cold should be completely submerged in room temperature water for 20-30 minutes before storage or display. If submerging, make sure to later drain water from open bracts as excessive moisture encourages rotting.
6. Broken or bruised tips can be trimmed if necessary with a very sharp knife.
7. Florets which appear between bracts should be removed before use.
8. Most greens used as tropical foliage do not need to be unpacked. Store in shipping boxes at 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees celsius.)
9. Check for excessive moisture in the foliage boxes and if they are too wet, open boxes and plastic wrapping to air out. Unpack and place in buckets for better air circulation. Greens should be kept moist, but not wet.
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