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GREENS

Leatherleaf and Tree Fern are the two most widely used and versatile cut foliage products.

Leatherleaf: Rumohra Adiantiformis

Leatherleafs' dark green foliage branches symmetrically from a central stem, starting wide at the bottom and narrowing towards a pointed tip. This full triangular shape makes Leatherleaf an ideal background for highlighting flowers. Also, maintain water moisture throughout the box. Re-cut stem for use.

A common problem of leatherleaf is "fern wilt" or desiccation (drying out). The exact cause is unknown, but contributing factors can be poor farm techniques, excessive water loss by improper storage conditions (such as low humidity and use of unprotected storage containers) or insufficient water uptake due to stems becoming plugged by bacteria. Choosing a quality supplier and taking the precautions outlined below will minimize wilt and provide an average life span of about two weeks.

Tree Fern (Asparagus Virgatus):

Tree fern is a dark green, fluffy fern. It is used in all kinds of arrangements. It is best preserved by enclosing the product in plastic wrap inside the box it was received in. Keep product moist. Remove one bunch at a time. Tree Fern has soft, feathery shoots around a central stem. This airy look makes it a perfect filler, enhancing the beauty of flowers.

Available: Year-round.

Care & Handling:

Store fern in cooler in closed boxes with an inner protective liner of plastic or damp paper.
Under proper conditions of 34°-36°F and 80+% humidity, fern can be stored for over a week. Place on pallets or cleats to maximize air flow around the boxes, keeping fern fresh and preventing the bottom box from getting wet and soggy. Also, place cleats between each box before stacking. Partially used boxes should be carefully resealed to avoid excessive moisture loss and breakage of leaves and stems.
Fern should be misted lightly as needed to keep it moist, but not soggy.
Do not leave fern unprotected in a spot where direct air (any temperature) is blowing on it.
Prior to designing, re-cut stems and condition ferns in clean buckets with clean, plain water for about 2 hours, particularly during "warm wilt season" (July-October).
Use of floral preservatives has been generally found to be detrimental to the vase life of Leatherleaf and Tree Fem. To revive dry leatherleaf, soak the entire stem in a tub of cool water.
Store the unused fern, that has been conditioned in buckets, in the cooler. Mist leaves and cover with plastic to prevent drying out.
Stems should be re-cut daily.

Boxwood:

Boxwood is about 20" sprayed, dark, thin branches with small oval leaves. It is very hardy. Unpack product and let it soak in a tub of water for several hours, re-pack it and use as needed.

Latin American Greens (Chammadore):

Latin Greens are sometimes processed. Water and nutrients are fed through fresh cut stems and then graded and packed in bundles or waxed boxes. They require very little care, just keep them in water inside the cooler.

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