Phalaenopsis, renowned for its strength, prolonged flowering, and minimal maintenance, is a beloved plant. However, like other plants, it is sensitive to ethylene, a natural hormone that triggers bud drop during stressful situations, as a survival mechanism to distribute energy more efficiently.
Transportation presents a significant challenge for these stress-sensitive plants, often at their most delicate stage, with one or two buds in bloom. Extended periods in darkness during transport can result in bud loss, diminishing their appeal to customers. To address this issue, ethylene blockers have historically been used. Nevertheless, this practice is not aligned with sustainable growing methods and could potentially face restrictions.
Microflor, in their pursuit of a sustainable solution, has undertaken rigorous assessments and tests of Phalaenopsis varieties over several years to identify stress-resistant varieties. As a result, Microflor now offers a range of Phalaenopsis that do not require ethylene blockers, even when delivered raw and subjected to extended transport.
To assess bud drop sensitivity, Microflor simulates the stressful conditions of transport. The plants, with one bud in bloom, are placed in a dark room without water at a temperature of 17-18°C for seven days. Subsequently, the plants are returned to normal conditions, and the results are assessed over time. If a variety displays damage, it is considered unsatisfactory. Microflor employs a detailed calculation to determine bud drop sensitivity, and if a variety falls just short, they consider whether it outperforms similar varieties. These tests are conducted repeatedly to ensure the plant’s natural stress resistance.
The implications for growers are significant. Regardless of the flowering stage, plants can be delivered without waiting for buds to reach a specific bloom percentage. Even during their most vulnerable phase, the plants remain transportable.
Microflor’s goal is to offer Phalaenopsis with a shelf life of ten weeks, both at retail and with customers. Their testing criteria exceed traditional standards, emphasizing bud drop sensitivity and shelf life as essential conditions for delivery. A plant may excel in productivity, growth, and color, but if it fails to meet Microflor’s standards of bud drop sensitivity and a ten-week flowering period, it will not be included in their assortment. This commitment ensures a sustainable and customer-focused approach to Phalaenopsis cultivation and delivery.