Floriculture Today - December 2011 by S Jafar Naqvi

Floriculture Today December 2011

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Vol 16....... Issue 7 ...... December 2011

Floriculture Today December 2011

Contents 8

Editorial

10 Rare Plant The flesh-eating plant! — B. K. Banerji and Atul Batra 14 Cover Story India Active at Horti Fair 2011 Eyes Future Expansions 17 Report v Horti Fair exudes Wow’s again v International HortiCongress Challenge of 2025: Raising output with little water v FloraHolland: A new milestone of 100 years 22 Gardening Developing gardening habit in children — Dinesh Rawat 23 Nursery Muchisa Market: the nursery hub — Azeem Haider 26

Cut Flower Heliconia An emerging cut flower for tropical humid and hilly regions — M. Kannan, M. Jawaharlal and P. Ranchana

Technology Biomax Technology Convert farm and waste into wealth in 24 hours! — Rajeeb Kumar Roy

38 New Variety Newest cut-rose variety by Meilland International 40 Flower Arrangement Up Close and Personal with Flowers & Foliage Part – 3

Floriculture Today December 2011

Editorial

t may not be a hasty decision, in the sense the idea has been on the anvil for long, but its implementation is definitely unplanned. Any guess about what we are talking about? Yes, you guessed it right; it is about the capital’s new flower Mandi, now functioning in Ghazipur in east Delhi, bordering Uttar Pradesh. After what we wrote about the shifting of the city’s three flower Mandis to a single site in Ghazipur (November 2011 issue of Floriculture Today), a survey was made to find out the condition of the new Mandi and to get the reaction of the stakeholders – farmers, licensed and unlicensed traders, small vendors and buyers. It was pathetic to see the whole market operating in primitive surroundings, with no infrastructure worth the name. The present state of affairs is nowhere near what was promised. Naturally, the harassed stakeholders have much more complaints to make than compliments to offer. One thing they are happy about is that the new Mandi stays open for 24 hours, whereas the old ones at Baba Kharak Singh Marg in central Delhi, Fatehpuri in Chandni chowk and Mehrauli were functioning only for limited hours. Moreover, the traders, for the first time, can claim that they have a permanent place to do business, untroubled by frequent ‘clearance drives’ by municipal authorities. The markets at Mehrauli and central Delhi were operating earlier from pavements or under temporary sheds with no protection from rain or extremes of heat and cold. After the three mandis, including the oldest

one at Chandni Chowk, got recognition in 1997, the Delhi Agricultural Marketing Board wanted to regularize flower trade further by bringing all markets together. For creating a one-stop shop for flower trade, different plots were considered and rejected before finalizing the site at Ghazipur. The proposal was to build a six-storey building, complete with all modern facilities, including cold storage, auction platforms, and rest rooms for 400 and odd licensed flower sellers. The building plans, however, have gone awry because of legal wrangles. The present scene in Ghazipur is in no way better than what it used to be in the three earlier markets. Rows of sellers continue to operate in the open or under tarpaulin sheets on a site meant for car parking attached to a nearby vegetable mandi. Mounds of refuse spreading stench lie uncleared in the new market, which is close to a slaughter house. Traders complain that business has suffered after they have shifted, because customers have to travel a much longer distance. According to one trader, marigold flower, which he used to sell for 20 rupees a kg, fetches for him only seen or eight rupees a kg. Heaps of flowers are wilting. A general complaint of traders is the high cost of transportation. The cost has doubled for many of them, but the selling rates are the same, if not less. No drinking water, no food and no transport or other facilities, bemoans another trader, who feels he was much happier doing business in Chandni Chowk. The question is: In the absence of promised infrastructure, why was there a tearing hurry to shift the market to Ghazipur? The flower trade is a multi-crore rupee industry, catering to varied types of religious and social activities and functions. What a capital city like Delhi, or for that matter any other city, requires is a well-equipped modern flower market to benefit the growers, traders and customers. When is that to come?

Comments are welcome at: mediatoday@vsnl.com

Views expressed by individuals and contributors in the magazine are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Floriculture Today editorial board. Floriculture Today does not accept any responsibility of any direct, indirect or consequential damage caused to any party due to views expressed by any one or more persons in the trade. All disputes are to be referred to Delhi Jurisdiction only. .....Editor

Floriculture Today December 2011

Rare Plant

Fig: (a) View of single pitcher

Fig: (b) Close up view of pitcher neck with rat peeping out

The flesh-eating plant! — B. K. Banerji and Atul Batra Floriculture Section, NBRI, Lucknow

he Nepenthes (Pitcher-plant) is a carnivorous plant (meat eater) belongs to family Nepanthaceae. Nepenthes are tropical pitcher plants native to parts of South East Asia, India, Madagascar and Australia. These groups of plants usually live in nitrogen poor soils. They have adapted to augment the inadequate nitrogen available in the soil by capturing and consuming insects. Many pitcher plants trap not only insects, but also rodents including mice and rats. The new species - Nepenthes attenboroughii is certainly large enough to catch such big prey! It was discovered by Alastair S. Robinson, Stewart R. McPherson and Volker B. Heinrich in June 2007, during a 2 month research expedition to catalogue the different species of pitcher plant found across the Philippine Archipelago. This new species which was discovered in the Philippines produces pitcher traps that are green with purple blotches, and they stand out clearly from surrounding vegetation. It is named after the celebrated broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough, who is a keen enthusiast of the genus. The species is characterized by its large and distinctive bell-shaped lower and upper pitchers and narrow, upright lid. 10 Floriculture Today December 2011

The formal description of N. attenboroughii was published in February 2009 in the Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society. Further accounts of this species appeared in McPherson’s Pitcher Plants of the Old World, published in May 2009, and in the December 2009 issue of the Carnivorous Plant Newsletter. Nepenthes attenboroughii is a terrestrial upright or scrambling shrub. The expedition was initiated after missionaries reported seeing giant Nepenthes on the mountain in 2000. Scientists have discovered a flesh-eating plant so large that it can swallow and digest rats. They are lured into its slipperlike mouth to drown or die of exhaustion before being slowly dissolved by digestive enzymes. The plant, a member of the ‘pitcher’ family, grows more than 120cm long. The plants produce large ‘pitchers’ which are big, hollow, water-filled leaf structure. The inside of the tubular shaped leaf is lined with downward pointing hairs. These hairs block an insect from climbing up the tube and escaping. The fluid in the bottom of the tube contains digestive juices that will consume the insect prey.The plant then secretes nectar to attract insects and some rodents. The

prey falls in and cannot escape back up the slippery, waxy interior of the trap. The victim drowns in the pitcher and acids and enzymes in the fluid within the trap break down the remains of the prey. The fluid breaks down the soft parts of the prey, and generally, only the bones of the prey remain. Distribution and habitat This species is known only from the summit area of Mount Victoria, Palawan, to which it is endemic. There, it grows from 1600 m above sea level to the summit at 1726 m. The species is found among shrubs 0.8–1.8 m tall in relatively scattered populations of plants on rocky, ultramafic soil. It is not sympatric with other Nepenthes species and no natural hybrids have been recorded. Neighbors of N. attenboroughii The summit flora of Mount Victoria includes Leptospermum sp., Medinilla spp., Pleomele sp., Vaccinium sp., various grasses, as well as the sundew Drosera ultramafica, which grows at similar elevations to N. attenboroughii. Stem: The stem, which may be up to 3.5 cm thick, is circular in cross section and

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Rare Plant attains a height of up to 1.5 m. Leaves: The leaves are coriaceous and sessile or sub-petiolate. The leaves of rosettes are up to 30 cm long and 10 cm wide, whereas those of the scrambling stem are up to 40 cm long and 15 cm wide. The leaves are oblong to elliptic, obtuse at the apex and shortly attenuate at the base, clasping the stem by approximately two-thirds of its circumference and becoming decurrent for 2–3 cm. Pitchers: Nepenthes attenboroughii produces some of the largest pitchers in the genus. The largest recorded pitcher of N. attenboroughii measured more than 1.5 litres in volume, and traps exceeding 2 litres are likely to be produced on occasion. The lower pitchers are brittle and campanulate (bell-shaped), up to 30 cm tall and 16 cm wide and emerge from tendrils that are 30–40 cm long and 4–9 mm in diameter. The tendrils are flattened towards the leaf, making them almost semi-circular in cross section. The upper pitchers are similar to the lower pitchers, but generally infundibular, to 25 cm tall and 12 cm wide (Fig1a). The pitchers of N. attenboroughii are open and thus often completely filled with fluid. This fluid is

This new species which was discovered in the Philippines produces pitcher traps that are green with purple blotches, and they stand out clearly from surrounding vegetation. It is named after the celebrated broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough viscous in the lower part of the pitcher and watery above, forming two fractions that do not mix. The upper fraction supports populations of pitcher infauna, particularly mosquito larvae, and the pitchers of this species may benefit from both the usual capture of prey as well as the detritus produced by organisms living within the pitcher fluid. Inflorescence: Nepenthes attenboroughii has a racemose inflorescence which grows up to up to 80 cm long. Male flower: The male flower spike bears approximately 100 pedicellate flowers on

a rachis up to 45 cm long and is recorded to bifurcate on occasion. The flowers lack bracts and produce red tepals that are broadly ovate with an obtuse apex. Female flower: The female inflorescence is shorter, to 65 cm long, never bifurcates, and bears up to 70 densely arranged flowers on a compact rachis up to 20 cm long. The tepals are brown to purple, ovate, and have an acute apex. Conclusion In the latter half of 2009, this taxon received a great deal of publicity in the national press of various countries as a sensational new plant that catches and kills rats (Fig1b). Whilst certainly large enough to trap rodents, no rodents of any kind have yet been observed within the pitchers of this species, as indicated in the type description and through subsequent clarification by the author, who suggests that should rodents be captured by the plant, it is likely to be through misadventure rather than by design; instead, large bugs and flying insects appear to be the usual prey. n E-mail: banerjibk@yahoo.co.in

Floriculture Today December 2011 11

12 Floriculture Today December 2011

Cover Story

India Active at Horti Fair 2011

Eyes Future Expansions

he four-day Horti Fair 2011 concluded in Amsterdam RAI on a triumphant note. The event that has played an important role in the development of Indian floriculture suffered a setback in the past two years since organizers were experimenting with the dates. This year, the event bounced back to its glory thanks to reversion to its previous timing with added activities clubbed as HortiWeek -- a combination of Horti Fair, World Water Week, Horti Congress, Flora Holland show and another flower exhibition. Indian visitors were seen in large numbers with many state and central government delegations. As done in the past 12 years, Floriculture Today maintained its stall that acted as a meeting point for Indian visitors and those of 14 Floriculture Today December 2011

Indian origin coming from countries like Kenya, Nepal, UAE, Ethiopia, Ecuador and European nations. The magazine is used by international floriculture fraternity as a reference tool on south Asian floriculture in general and Indian floriculture in particular. A number of visitors, specially people of Indian origin and NRIs shared their plans to visit Indian exhibitions like Flora Expo 2012, scheduled to be held in New Delhi on 3--5 March. The special issue of Floriculture Today was distributed to all visitors from its special stall at Hall 8, as also from Media Pavilion maintained by our partners. Despite facing serious threats from increasing energy costs, labour costs and dwindling margins, horticulture industry in European nations has defiantly emerged stronger by way of consolidation. Extra

large farms are now the rule rather than exception. To cope with such extra large sized farms, with existing problems, the European farms are adopting extreme precision farming methods. Extra precise fertigation, highly energy efficient cultivation practices, most efficient water utilization and breaking all previously thought upper limits of productivity are some of latest trends. Horti Fair played its role in bringing European farmers together and exposing them to latest offerings from all over world. Indian suppliers, who are moving into high quality growing media supply, displayed a large variety of production inputs during Horti Fair 2011. Coir Board of India brought many exporters under its banner. Though its presence was important, Coir Board pavilion was rather

Floriculture Today December 2011 13

Cover Story very small, considering the number of participants it housed. Leading Indian exporters of Coir media took separate pavilions. Technology suppliers from within Europe, East Asian nations and specially Turkey offered various mechanical inputs. They are required by European growers to compete with countries having climate advantage like Kenya, Ecuador, India and, Ethiopia. European growers are adopting extra efficient and precise post harvest processing methods and a host of such tools were there at Horti Fair 2011. Use of robots is rather common in grading, sorting and quality control activities in European farms now. Noted visitors at “Floriculture Today” pavilion and Horti Fair Floriculture Today played it role of an active Media Partner to Horti Fair by encouraging larger Indian delegations to this year’s event. This year’s event witnessed an unprecedented increase in the number of trade visitors and delegations. Noted among them were from the Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India, state ministries and trade chambers. The Union Agriculture Ministry’s delegation was led by Mr Shailendra Kumar – IAS, Director – National Horticulture Mission. The delegation was provided hospitality and local technical visits by Government of The Netherlands. The delegation included of many senior officers like Mr. Satyaveer Singh (Director General – Horticulture, Govt, of Haryana), Dr. N Vijaya Lakshmi, IAS (Secretary

Ms. Rani Kumudini, Mr Shailendra Kumar, Mr. Machindranath Devanikar, Dr. Lajvinder Singh Brar, Mr. Satyaveer Singh, Mr. J S Yadav & Mrs. Yadav, Dr. N Vijaya Lakshmi at Floriculture Today stall

– Department of Agri., Govt of Bihar), Mr. Machindranath Devanikar, IAS (Managing Director - Maharashtra State Horticulture and Medicinal Plants Board), Dr. Lajvinder Singh Brar (Director Horticulture, Punjab), Ms. Rani Kumudini, IAS (Director Horticulture – Andhra Pradesh), Mr. J S Yadav (Director Horticulture – Rajasthan). The delegation visited important production and technology innovation demonstration centers for awareness. The delegation members also visited the flower auction centre at Aalsmeer, besides participating in official meetings. Members of the delegation appreciated the efforts of Floriculture Today in promoting the cause

of Indian floriculture in European markets. A parallel delegation from National Horticulture Board was led by Dr. R K Sharma (Zonal Director – NHB) that included Mr. Amit Sahai (Addl. Commissioner - Horticulture, MoA), Mr. R Murthy (Member – Board of Directors – NHB) , Mr. Bani Singh (Dy. Director NHB), Mr. Dharam Singh (Asst. Director – NHB). This delegation visited Horti Fair and had a series of meetings with Horticoop and other prominent suppliers of Horticulture Technologies from European nations. Dr. Dinesh Kumar Goyal, IAS (Principal Secretary to Govt. of Rajasthan,

Floriculture Today December 2011 15

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Cover Story

Horticulture Department) also visited the show. The government of Rajasthan has developed International Horticulture Innovation & Training Centre (IHITC) in technical collaboration with leading international partner PTC+, the Practical Training Centre of Holland and DCM Shriram Consolidated Ltd. (DSCL) with a mission to boost the horticulture sector’s journey into future by equipping growers and trainees with practical skills on globally relevant innovative horticultural technologies. This centre is providing training not only to farmers & officials of the state but also those from other states and countries. Another important delegation from Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries & Agriculture was led by Mr Anant Sardeshmukh – ED General, MCCIA and Mr. Bharat Bhojane, GM-Rise n’ Shine

16 Floriculture Today December 2011

S Jafar Naqvi, Editor FLoriculture Today, Dr. Dinesh Kumar Goyal, Pr. Secretary, Rajasthan and Mr. Frans-Peter Dechering, Managing Director of Horti Fair, Holland

Biotech Ltd. This delegation was also hosted by Government of The Netherlands and provided technical training and demonstration visits to various important locations. The delegation members included Mr. Jagannath L Khapre, President – Grape Exporters Association of India, Somnath Patil – Director, & Dhanashree Patil – Executive Director of Rise n’ Shine, D. V Shukla – Director MCCIA, Dipen Dedhia & Imran Shiekh – Partners, Green Synergies. A delegation from Madhya Pradesh led by the Horticulture Minister and officials also visited the Horti Week to explore business opportunities for the state. Other important visitors included Mr S M Krishnappa –Founder, Krishnendra

Nurseries, Mr M D Gidwani – CEO, Al Lokrit International, Ambrish Karvat – Director – Mentor & M Nasser, both from Smithers-Oasis (India) Pvt. Ltd. Representatives from various plant breeders, propagators and exporters also visited the Floriculture Today pavilion to interact and know more about Indian floriculture scenario. Floriculture Today team also had interactions with Managing Director of Horti Fair Mr. Frans-Peter Dechering and had fruitful discussions about improving Indian participation in Horti Fair. (More in the next issue)

Report

Horti Fair exudes Wow’s again The Horti Fair is really “back in business”, commented its director, Frans-Peter Dechering. “This goes not only for the number of visitors, but also for the return of the ‘wow factor’ at this year’s Horti Fair.” The four-day fair, held in Amsterdam RAI from November 1, attracted over 23,000 visitors from 67 countries. The Horti Fair is the biggest international trade fair on technology, innovation and inspiration in horticulture. Because last year’s trade fair witnessed a drop in the number of visitors and exhibitors, its organizers decided on a new course (from square metres to cubic metres), that resulted in greater emphasis on content, expertise and opportunities for networking. This change of approach won the appreciation of participants. There were more exhibitors: 599 (an increase of 10%). The number of visitors also went up, as indicated in the Horti Fair’s new online visitor registration system. Visitors could register in advance at the website. This made it possible to obtain a highly accurate and transparent count, according to Horti Fair’s Managing director Frans-Peter Dechering.

Attracted to this year’s Horti Fair were 23,240 unique visitors who came from 67 countries. And they made an estimated 27,750 visits to the trade fair: an increase of approximately 20% Attracted to this year’s Horti Fair were 23,240 unique visitors who came from 67 countries. And they made an estimated 27,750 visits to the trade fair: an increase of approximately 20%. Of these visitors, 16,240 entered by means of a Horti Fair scan, 3,750 came from Aalsmeer, 1,500 from Vijfhuizen, 750 from the Aquatech (a trade fair running simultaneously in the Amsterdam RAI) and 1,000 were part of groups such as delegations, journalists, or school students. The number of people

registering in advance amounted to 24,244. Awards presentation A number of awards were presented during the Horti Fair. Among them was the Interpolis Quality Cup for the best products generated by the floriculture sector. In the category devoted to cut flowers, first prize went to Royal van Zanten. Sion BV walked off with the top award for pot plants. The Marketing Cup – the award for the exhibitor who attracted most visitors to the fair – went to Hortiplan. Corn. Bak won the Innovation Award in the ‘Green’ category with its Florinilla®‘Bella’[p]. Mardenkro won both the Innovation Award in the ‘Technique’ category and the Press Award for its

Floriculture Today December 2011 17

Report coating product, ReduFuse. Mardenkro’s Managing Director, Jort Gerritsen, was happy that winning these prizes led to countless contacts with interested growers, distributors, members of the press and others. “For us, the Horti Fair 2011 has been a very rewarding trade fair.” Other exhibitors were extremely satisfied as well. ‘We’re headed in the right direction now’, said Wouter Kuiper, Managing Director at Kubo, ‘And if we stay on this path, Horti Fair will once again be

the ultimate in international trade fairs for horticulture.’ ‘The positive vibes are back at the Horti Fair’, said Mattijs Bodegom, Manager of Marketing & Communications at breeding company Fides. ‘We took not one but four steps forward.’ Visitors, too, had high praise for the fair. “Rob Baan of Koppert Cress congratulated me saying you and your team have put Horti Fair back on the map”,’ said Horti Fair Director Frans-Peter Dechering.

International HortiCongress

Challenge of 2025: Raising output with little water Problem-solving approaches that horticulture can offer for the challenges involving water and food supplies in the coming decades came in for in-depth discussion at the HortiCongress held in Amsterdam RAI in Holland. Growing in substrates under protected conditions is one of the spearheads in this process. The congress was part of the International HortiWeek which opened on November 1. The speakers emphasized that socio-economic and political factors are important parameters in the introduction of new horticultural techniques. The world population, which has touched 7 billion, is projected to grow to 9 billion in 2050. All these people must have healthy food. But that is not the only challenge facing the world in the coming decades. The skewed distribution of rich and poor, hunger and obesity and climate changes demand new solutions for water and food supplies. Golden triangle “The ability to feed 9 billion people requires cooperation between the business community, knowledge institutions and government. This so-called Golden Triangle is the strength of Dutch horticulture,” said Professor Martin Kropff of Wageningen University and Research centre. “Dutch horticulture is high-tech and has proved that it is fully capable of finding innovative solutions for the major challenges.” He referred in this context to examples like the improvement in the 18 Floriculture Today December 2011

taste of tomatoes, new packing technologies, mobile cultivation systems and energy-producing greenhouses. He made the following proviso, however. “We are increasingly realizing that it is not only technology that is crucial, but socio-economic factors as well, particularly in regions where water is scarce.” In Ethiopia, for example, horticulture is developing at a tremendous pace. The horticultural areas use water from the lakes and those lakes become empty far too quickly. Effective agreements must be reached quickly to deal with this problem, but that is ex-

tremely difficult because different governmental authorities are involved. Conditioning environment Gene Giacomelli from the University of Arizona also considered the water problem. He concluded that water will be a real problem for 1.8 billion people in 2025: “We have to start work now on solutions that will enable us to produce sufficient food with little water.” The researcher is working on a number of projects involving cultivation under extreme conditions, such as at the South

Report

Pole or on Mars. It really is possible to grow vegetables and fruit in a completely conditioned environment. Giacomelli explained that water efficiency of almost one hundred per cent can be achieved in closed greenhouses where the crops grow in substrates and referred to Village Farms in Texas and Houweling Nurseries, where high levels of tomato production are achieved in semi-closed greenhouses with very little water. No GMOs Kees Reinink from Rijk Zwaan approached the food problem from a different angle: “New techniques enable completely different methods of plant breeding.” In the past, selection only used to be possible on the basis of external characteristics. But the method of sequencing now makes it possible for plant breeders to identify hereditary characteristics at gene level. This enables targeted searches for resistance in wild plants for example, or in plants of the same variety, such as cucumbers and melons. This means a tremendous expansion of the prospects for

plant breeding. “As a consequence, we see no need to work with genetically modified organisms to increase production. In the first place it is expensive, and in the second place public opinion on the subject is much too negative. It is extremely important for the breeding of horticultural crops, incidentally, that Plant Breeders’ Rights remain intact. Cultivation systems in drylands The conclusion that solving the food issue in drylands requires more than technique was also echoed by Richard Tutwiler from the Desert Development Centre in Cairo. A lot of hard work is going on in North Africa in order to decrease the dependency on rain. Horticulture offers options to do this by improving cultivation systems. Tutwiler is convinced that the improvement of existing cultivation techniques will also improve the quality of life for people in the region. “Food security rises, unemployment falls and environmental pollution decreases,” Tutwiler contended. He empha-

sized that horticulture means more than greenhouses alone for North Africa. “We also see great prospects for vineyards and woody crops in our region.” Peter Westerveld and Ole Shirim Sayialel of the Naga Foundation presented a clear and simple solution to make the desert green again. By digging ditches of one metre deep, rainwater also actually penetrates into the soil and the natural processes of the soil are revived. Congress Chairman Agnes van Ardenne summed up the discussions by saying that horticulture can contribute many solutions in the technical sense, but big challenges remain. They relate to making technique accessible for practical implementation, the investments, the necessary management skills and the marketing. After the close of the congress Liesbeth Spies and Jaap Bond, members of the Provincial Executives for Zuid-Holland and Noord-Holland, respectively, opened the International HortiWeek together with Dick van Raamsdonk from IFTF, Floris Olthof from Flora Holland and Ewald van Vliet from the Horti Fair.

FloraHolland:

A new milestone of 100 years More than 10,000 visitors attended this year’s FloraHolland Trade Fair. The Aalsmeer-based international trade fair, which is all about networking, gaining inspiration and booking orders, generated a positive mood among both exhibitors and visitors. Noticeably there was major interest from abroad. During a special ‘100 years of FloraHolland’ meeting held on the first day of the event on November 10, the Queen’s Commissioner in the Province of North Holland, Johan Remkes, officially announced that FloraHolland had been awarded the Royal designation. Inspiration and innovation Visitors to the FloraHolland Trade Fair at Aalsmeer were highly impressed by many new products, trends, innovations and the vast supply of plants and flowers. The FloraHolland Trends and Concepts Plaza was well attended by both buyers and their clients.

The concepts on show were translated into practical applications for display in the stores by means of segment presentations. All in all, the fair’s 18.000 square metres of floor space accommodated more that 650 growers’ stands, which were easy to locate, thanks to a specially developed - and much-used - Trade Fair App. Janneke van Steijn of J.M. van Steijn & Zn., who attended the fair for the tenth year running, said: “Many of our clients dropped by and we may receive some new orders. Personal contact at the fair, with end- customers as well, is invaluable.” Best Stand Award FloraHolland introduced a new prize this year: the Best Stand Award. The factors that were taken into account were styling, message, product use, innovation, stand crew, layout and traffic. Stolk Brothers won the award, which was presented by jury chairman Marc Eijsackers. Floriculture Today December 2011 19

20 Floriculture Today December 2011

Floriculture Today December 2011 21

GARDENING Developing gardening as a hobby is a very positive outlook; it brings us close to life and provides high degree of satisfaction. Meet some celebrated personalities/professionals who spend some time regularly on gardening and they will tell you how happy and satisﬁ ed they feel.

Developing gardening habit in children — Dinesh Rawat

S parents and guardians, we must ensure that our children are encouraged to develop interest in gardening. Today, children are more urbanized and accustomed to mobile phones, TV and computers. Instead of spending time with nature, they are seated indoors for hours together with multiple electronics gadgets. From time immemorial, human beings are used to living in the lap of nature, with clay, soil and plants. Now, with rapid urbanization and multistorey apartment life style our children hardly get an opportunity to come close to nature and understand its various environmental features. 22 FLORICULTURE TODAY December 2011

Do’s and Don’ts Nowadays, children are heavily burdened with their academic curriculum and stressed with competitions. If they spend some time with plants and nature, they will be relieved of strain and stress, feel relaxed and satisfi ed. Allow children to play with plants; carry out experiments with plants right from germination, propagation, to regular nourishment. In due course, they will learn by themselves more about plants and bonsai, including vegetation fl owers and fruits. Allow children to learn about some gardening tools and their application thereof. Do not resist or discourage, if they use your discarded containers and bottles. Do not get upset, if they mess up, rather encourage them with some positive stroke and clean them up. Take them to the countryside during weekend and allow them to talk to villagers and farmers. Let them see and learn as to how crops, vegetables and fruits are grown; take them to some orchard or nurseries also. Remember, botanical gardens are not always a good choice, as they may get frustrated with botanical nomenclatures or scientifi c terminologies and these may, sometimes, be counter-productive too. In 2009, researchers with the Mayo Clinic, USA, conducted a study about children and gardening. Their goal was to fi nd out whether gardening helped change kids’ eating habits. The study was prompted by the fact that children, by and large, do not eat enough fruits and vegetables. kids in fourth and sixth grades participated in the said program with astounding results. It turned out that growing their own food directly and positively affected kids’ willingness to eat fruits and vegetables. So, think again before you readily give you child another set of video games! 

Nursery

Muchisa Market: the nursery hub -- Azeem Haider

he Muchisa market in Kolkata is a hub of nurseries. About 400 nurseries are located in here, which is the oldest market in India for plants. Most of the plants are sold off to Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. However, nowadays, Kadiyam has become the main selling point for nurserymen in Muchisa. This place is, indeed, a feast for the eyes of plant-lovers. Ranging from ornamental plants to a huge variety of indoor and outdoor plants, the nurseries are well-laden with nature’s beauty. One such nursery is Kamal Nursery, run by Kamal Chakraborty. The nursery was started in 1972 with just a couple of acres of land. Today, it has spread to 6 acres and harbors about 100 varieties of plants. The main varieties include ornamental indoor flowering plants, decorative plants, fruit plants, and more. “I have bonsai as well as medicinal plants too,” says Chakraborty. He adds that after the convention, the market situation has improved. About 25%

Chandi Sasmal

Kamal Chakraborty

of the trade has increased and this has flushed in a positive wave in the area. Although the nurserymen are not so satisfied with the government support, they themselves have proved their mettle by running nurseries successfully. Another nursery that has made a mark in this area is Sree Krishna Garden. It was started in 1983 and is run by Chandi Sasmal. Actually, the nursery was first opened under the name Ajanta Nursery by Sasmal’s elder brother. Then, in 1993, the name was changed to Sree Krishna Garden. The nursery supplies plants throughout India; but the main market is Kadiyam. “We have visited exhibitions all over India. This increases our business,” says Sasmal. The nursery has a wide variety of plants, including bamboo varieties. According to Sasmal, the government hardly supports nurserymen here. However, he is happy with the support of NHM (National Horticulture Mission) and NHB (National Horticulture Board) as they provide subsidy to nurseries.

Floriculture Today December 2011 23

24 Floriculture Today December 2011

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Floriculture Today December 2011 25

CUT FLOWERS

— M. Kannan, M. Jawaharlal and P. Ranchana Department of Floriculture & Landscaping, HC & RI, TNAU, Coimbatore

The genus Heliconia refers to a group of plants related to gingers, ornamental bananas, prayer plants and Bird of Paradise. There are an estimated 350 species of heliconia, the vast majority are found in tropical America. These are rhizomatous, herbaceous plants that range in height from 18 inches to more than 20 feet tall. The “stems” (pseudostem) are the concentric, sheathing petioles of the paddle-like leaves each layer giving additional strength to hold the leaves and flowers. As the leaves deteriorate, the stem collapses. Every single inflorescence of the plant emerges terminally, standing erectly or hanging pendently. The inflorescence of Heliconia is usually very colorful to humans and of course to its pollinators the hummingbirds and insects. The boat-like bracts are colorful, usually in hues of red, yellow, orange and even pink or combinations of these mixed with green markings and various splashes. The bracts are smooth in some species to wooly in others. They are arranged spirally on a central connecting stem called a rachis. Each bract holds several true flowers, which may protrude boldly or peep shyly from the bracts. In the American species the pea sized fruits are blue. The South Pacific species produce red or orange fruits. The fruits are drupes. There may be up to three seeds per fruit.

26 FLORICULTURE TODAY December 2011

CUT FLOWERS Cannoid

Musoid

Zingiberoid

HABITAT Most species of heliconias can be found in moist or wet regions, but some are found in seasonally dry areas. Although Heliconias fl ourish in the humid lowland tropics at elevations below 1500 feet, surprisingly, the greatest number of species is found in middle elevation with rain and cloud forest habitats. The most remarkable members of the genus inhabit open sites in secondary growth along roads, riverbanks and in patches of light in the forest. CLASSIFICATION The growth habit of heliconias are broadly classifi ed into two types: spreading and clumping. The spreading types fi ll and colonize quickly and are capable of covering a substantial area of land in a few years. The clumping types grow more slowly. With clumping types, new pseudostems develop on the edge of the clump and the centre of the clump hollows out. There are three types of leaf arrangements found on heliconias. They are: 1. Musoid (banana like) - they tend to grow vertically and have long petioles (the stalk of the leaf)

2. 3.

Zingiberoid (ginger like) - they tend to grow horizontally and have short petioles Cannoid (canna like) - they tend to grow at an angle and have short to medium petioles

POPULAR HELICONIAS Heliconia psittacorum (Parrot’s beak) Capable of fl owering year round. Habit tends to be a runner. Ranges in height from 1m to 3m. Erect fl owers are borne usually above the foliage. Excellent garden and tub plants. Heliconia rostrata (Hanging lobster claw) Eye catching pendulant bracts of striking red with yellow and green tips. Fairly dense habit when less than 3 years old, but can spread fast in the tropics although easily controlled in Brisbane. Leaf stalks may reach up to 4m in shade but only 2m in full sun. Tends to fl ower mainly in summer – perfect for Christmas fl oral decorations. Flowers are produced on pseudostems which developed the previous year. Heliconia bihai (Large lobster claw) These are extremely variable in fl ower colour. Capable of

Heliconia bihai

Heliconia psittacorum

Heliconia rostrata

FLORICULTURE TODAY December 2011 27

CUT FLOWERS Heliconia caribaea

Heliconia chartacea

Heliconia stricta

producing 50cm erect fl ower heads. Peak season is summer, with sporadic fl owers throughout the year in tropical zones. These have a tight compact growth habit. Heliconia stricta (Small lobster claw) Characteristic fl at bracts of this heliconia makes them good for fl oral arrangements. H. stricta ‘Dwarf Jamaican’ - less than 1m tall and fl owers best in winter with red-rose bracts and attractive foliage. Good as a ground cover substitute in the tropics. Heliconia caribaea (Giant heliconia) Massive plants of 6m tall resembling bananas in dense clumps. Useful for erect fl oral displays up to 50cm long. Adapted to the tropics and subtropics, they are capable of fl owering in autumn, winter and spring. Cultivars are available in red, yellow, gold, scarlet, maroon or multi-coloured. Eg.’Jacquinii’ Heliconia chartacea ‘Sexy Pink’ Considered one of the most striking heliconias, this plant prefers the humid tropical districts. Exotic pink and apple green bracts are borne on a rose red pendulant stalk. SOIL Heliconia typically need well-drained soil that is very rich in decaying organic matter. Garden loam enriched with leaf compost would be ideal, with an addition of a small amount of sand. LIGHT Heliconia grows well in bright clearings. It would be better if Heliconia can be provided with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day, as this would encourage continuous fl owering. Lower amounts of sunlight would result in the production of lush foliage, with fl owers making a less common appearace. Plants would tend to grow taller and larger with less light. Shade loving species are Heliconia pendula and Heliconia stricta var ‘Carli’s Sharonii’.

28 FLORICULTURE TODAY December 2011

TEMPERATURE Although most heliconias are considered as tender tropicals, some species are reported to survive, if not grow, at temperatures as low as 100C. Below 100C H. psittacorum types do not grow well and develop black spots at the base of the bracts. Heliconias do well at a temperature of 210C- 350C.Plants grown under full sun produce much more ﬂ owers than those grown in partial shade. PROPAGATION Rhizomes Heliconias may be propagated by division of rhizomes or from seeds, although dividing rhizomes is by far the most common method. Dividing rhizomes guarantees an identical plant to the parent. Propagating heliconias by division involves making a cut across a section of rhizome (ideally bearing at least one visible sucker). The cut section of rhizome can then be transplanted to a new location. The planted rhizomes usually sprout within two months. The size and weight of Heliconia rhizomes varies depending on the species or variety. Smaller species, such as Psittacorum rhizomes, may weigh only 50 to 70g. Rhizomes of large Heliconias like Caribaean varieties may weigh 300g to 700g and more. By Seed Heliconia seeds are rather difﬁ cult to germinate. They have a rather long germination period ranging from a month to a year, Rhizomes

Seed

CUT FLOWERS with unpredictable germination rates. Seeds should be scarifi ed with sandpaper before planting, because the seed coat is extremely thick. Rubbing parts of the seed coat till the endosperm is just reached would allow water to enter the seed more quickly, thus shortening the germination period. SPACING Most species of Heliconias require lots of space and can spread across an area in all directions. The spreading types fi ll very quickly, while the clump types grow more slowly. Some varieties, such as Lobster claw fi ll at the top, requiring even more space.

are prone to fungal diseases in excessively water-retentive soil.

Pollinators- Humming birds

FERTILIZER A large Heliconia can consume enormous amounts of fertilizer, and grow to immense proportions. Bonemeal is an ideal choice if one desires to make their Heliconia reach huge dimensions. Well rotten farmyard manure at the rate of 4 kg/m2 should be applied at the time of soil preparation and 20 g each of NPK/m2 at the time of planting of rhizomes. MAINTENANCE Dried leaves and stems should always be removed. Spent stems should be cut

Suggested in row spacings 0.75- 1 m

H .psittacorum

1.2- 1.5 m

H. hirsuta, H. metallica, H. angusta, H. aurantiaca, H. vaginalis

1.5- 2m

H. rostrata, H. angusta flava, H.stricta, H. latispatha

2-2.5m

H.caribaea, H.bihai, H. chartacea, H. wagneriana, H. collinsiana, H. bourgaeana, H.champneiana, H. platystachys, H. indica

Grading and Packaging

after fl owering to maintain the neatness WATERING of the colony. Chop the stems as close Heliconia plants should be watered to the ground as possible. The remaining as often as possible, at least once a day. stumps can be removed by pulling them The soil should never be allowed to dry out of the ground once they have dried up out completely. Rotting of established completely. Should the colony produce plants as a result of over-watering is too many leaves obstructing view of the unlikely as long as the soil is free-draining. infl orescences, leaves can be removed In fact, some species of Heliconia can from strategic positions so as to show off even be adapted to grow completely in the Heliconia fl owers. water, such as Heliconia standleyi and Heliconia densifl ora ‘Firefl ash’. However, MULCHING the watering of newly-planted rhizomes Maintaining a layer of organic mulch is a completely different matter, as they Inflorescence types

H. stricta ‘Bucky (Erect type)

Diseases Rust

H. chartacea ‘Sexy Pink (Pendant type)

FLORICULTURE TODAY December 2011 29

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Cut Flowers temperatures below 100C. Flowers of recommended cultivar (‘Golden Torch’, ‘Andromeda’, st. Vincent Red’, etc.) maintain their bract colour and shape for 14- 15 days in tap or deionized water at 230C. Shipping of cut heliconia flowers has been successful as long as the packing material is not kept too moist or the temperature allowed to drop below 100C.

Erwinia sp

Ralstonia solanacearum

around Heliconia plants serves several purposes. 1. Mulch helps to retain moisture around root zone. 2. The mulch also helps to hold fertilizers for slower release to the plants. 3. There is evidence that organic mulches help to reduce infestations of nematodes. Nematodes are often a serious problem for plants growing in rocky or sandy soils. 4. Mulches help to control weeds and maintain a tidier appearance around plants. GROOMING As wonderful as heliconias can be in the landscape, basic grooming always improves their look. Some species are naturally easier to maintain at their best. Here are the basic steps to keep your plants looking tidy. 1. Remove any dried leaves and stems. 2. Remove “flowered out stems” by cutting them to the ground. 3. Remove damaged foliage, for example, if you have to remove more than two or three leaf blades, cut the whole stem to the ground, because removing the leaf blade causes the petiole to dry up, reducing the support for the pseudostem, causing it to lean or fall over. 4. Strategically remove a leaf blade 30 Floriculture Today December 2011

to show off inflorescences but bear in mind that each leaf removal will weaken the pseudostem from which it is taken. HARVESTING AND POST HARVEST HANDLING Heliconia should be cut at a semimature stage (one or two of the bracts not yet open). They last longer than when they are not fully mature. When harvesting the smaller varieties (H. psittacorum) the stems are usually cut at ground level. It will also encourage more side shoots and allow more light penetration into the beds. The smaller the heliconia, the shorter the vase life. Most H. psittacorum varieties have a vase life of around seven to ten days. Some of the larger varieties can last up to three weeks. However, achieving the maximum shelf life depends on correct harvesting and post harvest handling. Floral preservatives do not improve vase life but anti- transpirants will improve post harvest life slightly. The lack of response to preservatives may be associated with poor vascular development of the base of the flower stem, while anti- transpirants and waxes provide limited response due to a failure to completely coat the bract surface. Post harvest life of Heliconia flowers ranged from 14- 15 days in deionized water, with or without floral preservatives. Flowers are damaged when stored at

GRADING AND PACKAGING The large heliconias are usually cut to fit a 150 cm long box. While the small H. psittacorum types are trimmed to lengths of 60- 90 cm. Medium sized heliconias such as H. bihai and H. stricta may be packed 20- 50 per box while the large H. caribaea are packed as 10 to 5 pieces. Moist or dry shredded newspaper is used as well as layers of newspaper to reduce damage to shifting during shipment. Small heliconias such as H. psittacorum and H. angusta are bunched (5s, 10 s) and may be sleeved in plastic film or netting. Some shippers use plastic sleeves over the inflorescences of large heliconias to prevent bruising. Packing strategies vary, but the large, heavy heliconias are usually packed in moist shredded newspaper or between layers of newspaper to prevent damage during transit. Bunches of smaller heliconias are packed on top of the heavier heliconias. Yield: 60 to 120 stems/m2 / year PEST AND DISEASES Heliconias are normally free of most serious pest and diseases. Insect pest such as aphids, mites, mealy bugs and other scale insects will be found on heliconias. These can cause some damage to the inflorescences and thus reduce marketability. The use of chemical insecticides are usually not justified for heliconia. In the case of a severe infestation of spider mites the use of a miticide may be necessary. Birds and bats can also cause damage to the bracts when collecting nectar. Fungal diseases, Phytophthora root rot and Pythium stem rot, Rust (Puccinia heliconiae), bacterial diseases caused by Erwinia sp, Ralstonia solanacearum and cucumber mosaic virus are the main disease problems for heliconia. These diseases can occur when there is an extended wet period, particularly if drainage is poor. Fungal disease problems can be accentuated when your heliconias are too crowded restricting air circulation. The spraying of chemical fungicides usually cannot be justified for heliconia. n

Floriculture Today December 2011 31

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Technology

Biomax Technology Convert farm and waste into wealth in 24 hours! — Rajeeb Kumar Roy, Agriplast, Bangalore

iomax Technologies PTE Ltd., a Singapore based biotechnology company, has developed a revolutionary way of converting massive waste generated by the livestock industry and the throwaway from coconut, sugar and other crops, poultry, etc. into premium organic fertilizer in just 24 hours and, thus, offering a practical solution to the waste problems hounding agribusiness enterprises. This is the concept to convert waste to wealth through the world’s first Rapid Thermophilic Digestion Technology. This technology works by combining specially designed Biomax Rapid Thermophilic digestor and their patented BM1 Enzyme. BMI is a natural cocktail of at least 10 different friendly bacteria with high heat tolerance. They act together as powerful enzymes. The technology uses this specially designed digester for mixing any kind of farm or animal waste, including saw dust, chicken manure and chicken mortality (or other kind of organic waste like sugarcane waste, livestock manure, slaughter house waste, waste water sludge, food waste, etc.) with various beneficial bacteria. This mixture in the digester is heated at a certain temperature range to produce highgrade organic fertilizer in one day. It is recommended to use one kilogram of BM1 enzyme to one tonne of organic waste. BM1 enzyme is able to reduce the fermentation time (24 hours or less) by activating fermenting microorganisms at high temperature region (thermophilic process). At their normal condition, the beneficial micro organisms look very ordinary, appearing like grey silica sand used in construction. But if combined with 36 Floriculture Today December 2011

RECENT TRIP OF MR. RAJEEB ROY, RANJAN ROY TO BIOMAX FACILITIES IN SINGAPORE (From left to right Lawrence, Sim, Rajeeb Roy, Fion)

any type of farm waste into the digester and the mixture is heated at between 70 degree Celsius and 80 degree Celsius, the enzymes, which include proteinese, keratinase, lipase, cellulose and other ingredients, accelerate the decomposition and fermentation process. With this technology, organic waste is converted into 100 percent pure, solid organic fertilizer in 24 hours. The organic fertilizer product is of good quality, odorless, and free of pathogens. It can provide nutrients and food for both plants and soil, thus, offering additional income for farmers and other agribusiness entrepreneurs. This is a revolutionary approach to the traditional and tedious method of composting as practiced by farmers in developing countries. For this procedure,

they gather and dump farm waste into a large pit, mix some ingredients, allow it to decay, and wait for three to six months to obtain compost. “Our new technology is a product of almost five years of research and development, which we believe will have far-reaching implication in the way countries handle solid waste to protect human health and the environment,” says Biomax CEO Sim Eng Tong. According to him, Biomax technology can turn practically all organic waste into fertilizer. The end product is pure organic fertilizer rich in NPK (Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium) and low in carbon/nitrogen ratio that helps restore soil structure and fertility. Because it operates in a closed and controlled system, it eliminates

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Technology

offensive odor during the digestion process, which causes pest build-up, pollution and diseases and other health ad environmental risks, if the procedure were done in the open. Biomax uses in different countries In Indonesia, the CEO claims his company has done work where organic fertilizer is produced quickly out of palm oil waste from empty fruit bunch and sludge. In Malaysia, rich organic soil and plant nutrients are derived from chicken dung as well as entrails, heads and feathers from poultry dressing plants. In Singapore, fertilizer is produced from waste of a 400,000 egg layer farm. In Dubai, even human waste sludge serves as the raw material. According to a Biomax executive, Yong Ching Seng, the coco coir business generates tonnes of under-utilized coco peat while dumps of biomass from sugar refineries are often left in the open air to decay, due to lack of practical and profitable way to dispose the waste and turn them to wealth. He said even the slaughtering, meat cutting and meat processing industries, which discard innards, unwanted fats, meat tissues and other waste from animals all have a need for a smart solution to their waste problems lest they be sanctioned by environmental regulators. “There is a very wide application of our technology for the Philippines to benefit from,” Yong said. “We are willing to share it in the conof mutual assistance and regional cooperation because out countries are part of ASEAN.” The biomax digestor can run on electricity or on boiler fuelled by LPG or from diesel and from indigenous energy, which ever is locally available and is the most cost efficient. The digestor is available in three capacities 4000 litres (2 tonnes fertilizer output per day), 22000 litres (9 tonnes fertilizer output per day)

layout. Reduces the processing time from 3 months to only 24 hours v It can turn any organic waste into fertilizer v Produces high quality organic fertilizer, which is odorless, pathogen-free, rich in organic content and restores soil fertility v Automated system and not labour intensive v Consistent product and not affected by weather v Nutrient composition of fertilizer can be customized v Environment friendly and does not create any pollutant by products v Lucrative return on investment Biomax rapid thermophilic digestion system turns your waste into wealth. This solves the problem of all solid waste disposal problems. Agriplast, a Bangalore-based company, has introduced this technology to India. Agriplast has been a leader in providing latest technologies in the field of Indian agriculture for the last 17 years. n v

and 80,000 litres (40 tonnes fertilizer output per day). It can be easily installed in a location to treat biomass waste. CEO Tong, who used to be an agricultural commodities trader, said his company’s biotech innovation was his own brainchild, adding it was developed with the help of some of China’s and Singapore’s renowned microbiologists, biochemists and engineers. He said it was borne from long years of having been in the business of exporting fresh, frozen and dry farm products to Europe. In the course of his business operation, he witnessed how volumes of waste are produced during delivery, packaging, handling and felt a compelling desire to find a solution to the problem. My conscience bothered me with all the waste I generate,” Tong said, “At some point in time, I realized I needed t contribute something for the protection of the environment and for the world we all live in.” Advantages of Biomax Rapid Thermophilic digestion system v Space saving and does not require a large

Floriculture Today December 2011 37

New Variety

Newest cut-rose variety by Meilland International

Bernard Durand baptising Bingo (R) The Kotharis - proud Growers with Mrs. Kusum Kothari of Bingo(R)

n keeping with its tradition of launching a new cut – rose variety in India almost each year, Meilland International, the Rose Breeding Company from France, launched its latest variety Bingo® var. Meilotre at a function in Hotel Le Meridien, Pune on November 9, 2011. Bingo® var. Meilotre is a hybrid, long stem, big bud white variety with a unique opening and productivity. The trial marketing of this variety has evoked a positive response from the buyers, as it was found to have traveled well. At present, the variety is under trials at a few farms in India and its commercial cultivation is expected to start soon. The variety was launched by Kusum Kothari, the Grower of this Rose in Pune. Speaking on the occasion, Bernard Durand said that exports from India must be pursued aggressively as there is a huge overseas market, which India must tap, given its geographical location providing access

38 Floriculture Today December 2011

Varieties on display with Mr. PK Sondhi as speaker

to East and West markets. He even interacted in a question-answer session with the growers and stated that Meilland was committed towards bringing out novelties in keeping with the market trend and developing on the characteristics of the new rose varieties in their research center in France. In association with Meilland since 1995, P K Sondhi spoke about the emerging trends and challenges in the Rose Industry worldwide and advised the growers that cut rose business was a profitable venture, provided there was complete commitment in this field. The successful farms in India and worldwide are proof of such an outcome and there is no reason why a rose project should fail, if all the desired inputs are properly deployed. Meilland displayed a total of 10 new varieties, including its new red Samourai® var. Meikatana, which is currently in big demand in the Japanese market.

The Kotharis - proud Growers of Bingo(R)

Floriculture Today December 2011 39

Flower Arrangement

Up Close and Personal with Flowers & Foliage Part - 3

The second part of this article was published in the November 2011 issue. This is the last part. HYACINTH They’re beautiful, easily managed and smell nice. And they come in many colors like blue, white, pink, red, purple, yellow and orange. Here’s a simple introduction to hyacinth varieties by color.

TYPE OF FOLIAGE FOR FLOWER ARRANGEMENT Foliage plays an important role in an arrangement mainly because it can hide the mechanics of an arrangement. For example, to cover an exposed foam in an arrangement, foliage is used. To make an arrangement look ‘fuller’ and more compact, the right foliage type can help. Although many foliage are green, colored ones can be used also, depending on how you use it in the arrangement. Common colors are green, yellow, red and brown. Green is considered natural in an arrangement, so you need not worry about color balance so much. But for colored foliage, you need to pay extra attention on which flower color to go with it, as it can make or break your arrangement. Here are some of the common type foliage that can be used in flower

White - Edelweiss, L’Innocence Blue - Blue Jacket, Blue Star, Delft Blue Yellow - City of Harlem Orange - Odysseus Red - Jan Bos Pink - Anne Marie, Pink Pearl, Pink Surprise Purple - Ostara, Amethyst, Splendid Cornea (violet pink) Hyacinth-blue-pink-white

Magnolia Leaf

Lambs Ear 40 Floriculture Today December 2011

arranging projects. When used cleverly, they will make much difference to your arrangement. Lambs Ear As the name suggests, this foliage looks like the lamb’s ear. If you feel its texture, it feels very soft. There are two types which are commonly used. One is the plain green color but looks frosted, and the other, is green color with white around the sides. Both make lovely foliage for bridal bouquets. Magnolia Leaf Magnolia leaves look like normal green leaves. When it turns brown, it gives the impression of ‘fall’ because of the color. Can be used both in arrangements and bouquets. Fatsia Leaf

Flower Arrangement Song Leaf Song leaves are spikey, dark green leaves. Can be used both in arrangements as well as bouquets. Its stems are quite hard so it is easy to work with. Bear grass Bear grass is a special foliage. There are two types. One is the normal green color bear grass and the other is the green with white stripes. Why is it special? Because it is not mainly used as ‘foliage’ but rather to introduce llines in an arrangement or bouquet. Some use it as it is (looks like jutting out of the arrangement), while some control where the lines go by inserting both ends of the leaves back into the arrangement.A llitle bit of bear grass can make a huge difference to your arrangement.

Philodendron

Asparagus fern

Ruscus Ruscus are long and straight foliage

Baker’s Leaf This is the most common of all foliage. It is mainly used to cover exposed foam. Nevertheless, it can also be used to give more volume to a certain part of an arrangement.For example, if you are making a triangular arrangement, the three corners of the ‘triangle’ can be enhanced using baker’s leaves.Very easy to work with and can last a long time. Xanadu leaf Xanadu leaves are big glossy leaves, rather flat and shaped like a hand. It is considered a tropical leaf and often used in tropical bridal bouquets.

Fatsia Leaf Fatsia leaves are popular foliage, too. It is a wide flat leaf, that looked like maple leaf. Mostly used in arrangements but can be used in bouquets as well. Eucalyptus Eucalyptus has several types, quite common is the Silver Dollar Eucalyptus. Some type of eucalyptus have seeds and flowers, they are also used in flower arrangements. Eucalyptus oil is also known to have a aromatherapy effect and widely commercialized.

characteristics and can be used arrangements as well as bouquets. Japonica Japonica are really straight and long foliage. Its stems are bendable and have small leaves all along the stem. I quite like this foliage because most of the time the color is bright green.

but its leaves are sparse and not close to each other. They can be used as it is or cut short for insertion into an arrangement. Philodendron Philodendron are big and wide leaves. There are many types of philodendron, for example Boody Mary, Emerald Duke and Swiss Cheese. All of them have their own

Polycia leaf Polycia leaves are also often used in arrangements as well as bouquets. They are somewhat short in height and have rather soft branches. Variegated Ivy Variegated ivy is also commonly used in arrangements as well as bridal bouquets. It matches perfectly well with roses.Its structure is like vine and when used correctly, can create beautiful curvy lines.

Floriculture Today December 2011 41

Flower Arrangement Asparagus fern There are two types of this fern. One is the flat type with soft small leaves, which we also call Springery. The other is the foxtail type, also known as Meyeri. It is long and straight, with the same type of small and soft leaves. It may be hard to work with because the leaves are so delicate and easily fallen off. This will leave your arrangement look bare and around the arrangement messy. Birds Nest Fern Birds nest ferns are large long ferns with wavy sides. Often used in tropical arrangements. Since it is quite big, it is often noticeable in arrangements. Monstera leaf Monstera leaves are big and wide leaves, shaped like a heart. Can be used both in arrangements and bouquets. Cordyline leaf Cordyline leaves are very glossy, long and straight leaves. The sides of the leaf are red. Can be used as it is or folded. Since it has a little bit of red, the

42 Floriculture Today December 2011

flowers used with this leaf may have to be matched with its red. Draceana leaf Draceana leaves are also long and straight. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special about it is that it has yellow stripes. Can be used as it is or folded, just like the cordyline leaf. If cordyline leaves are glossy, draceana leaves are not. Dusty Miller Dusty Miller is also a special kind of foliage. Because it is silver-gray in color and its texture is velvety. Mostly used in bridal bouquets and matches well with pink roses. Hosta leaf There are many types of hosta leaves. Different type may have different colors and shapes but basically they are quite round in shape. Some with white margin and some not. Can be used both in arrangements and bouquets. Calathea leaf The calathea leaf is a long and straight

leaf. The leaf sides are red in color and on the body, sometimes green spots, which makes this foliage a very peculiar one. Beside these varieties, there are many other types of foliage with different colors, shapes and texture that can be used in arrangements. VINE FOLIAGE Vines are greens or foliage in a chain form. Some florists like to use vines in their flower arrangements because they can introduce dynamic lines in the arrangements. This makes the arrangement more interesting because you can see movement in it. Not only in arrangements, vines are also used in bridal bouquets. Some commonly used vine foliage are-- English Ivy, Dodda vine, Hoya vine, Grape vine, Sweet raspberry vine, Sugarvine, China Root aka Smilax China, Akebia vine, Stemona Root, Green Necklace aka String ,of Pearls or String of Beads, Twin Necklace, String of Hearts, Maidenhair vine, Lollipop Climber and Vinca Major. n Concluded

Floriculture Today December 2011 43

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