Maturity and Quality
Inflorescences bend as they reach maturity, assuming a 90° angle to the stem. The first emerging orange flowers can barely be seen through the paper bags. The stems are pulled at this point. Stems can also be harvested in the tight bud stage before the first flowers emerge. At this stage, the inflorescence is swollen, and there is a slight orange crack on the upper surface. The inflorescence is mature at the tight bud stage and is at the optimum stage for harvest in regards to ease of handling and flower longevity. Flower stems are generally pulled off rather than cut. A side-to-side pulling motion is often necessary to loosen the stem at the base of the plant, although the inflorescences can break off if jerked too vigorously. Make sure flower heads are dry at the time of purchase. If flowers are wet or have excessive nectar exudation upon unpacking then the possibility of subsequent postharvest disease problems is increased.
Grading and Bunching. Strelitzia stems are sorted into at least 3 grades according to stem length and inflorescence size. For premium grade flowers, the field bags are replaced with new bags. Five stems are firmly tied together at 2 points with the inflorescences facing in the same direction. The stem ends are evenly trimmed. A paper wrapper is placed around the bunched inflorescences to further protect the flowers.
Postharvest Handling and Storage
The optimum long term storage temperature range for this species is 6-7°C, which is different from most other flowers. Storage below this recommended range could result in chill disorders, the appearance of brown lesions on the flowers and bracts, and the failure of the flower to open properly. For short-term storage, hold the flowers at room temperature, or in a tropical storage room (12.5°C). Strelitzia flowers harvested in the tight bud stage will open and have satisfactory vase life after 4 weeks in storage if pre-treated with a fungicide, wrapped to prevent desiccation, and stored at 7°C.
Strelitzia flowers are insensitive to ethylene and their life is not improved by treatment with STS or 1-MCP.
Pretreatments
Flower longevity can be substantially increased by pulsing buds or flowers for 24 hours (48 hours is even better) with a solution containing 10% sucrose, 250 ppm 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate (8-HQC), and 150 ppm citric acid.
85-90% R.H.
Packing
The waxed paper bags on each inflorescence and the paper wrapper on each bunch give ample protection from handling injury and desiccation. Because they are very heavy, Strelitzia stems should be packed in shallow cartons
Special Considerations
If flowers fail to emerge from the spathe (the modified leaf below the flowers), the first flower can be gently eased out by hand and will normally provide good display life.
Disorders
Description
Strelitzia reginae. The bird of paradise inflorescence consists of a boat-shaped bract containing a series of 4 or 5 flowers, so when an exposed flower withers, another one can be pulled out. Few cut flowers have this capability. Traditionally, Southern California growers bag the inflorescence a few weeks before harvest. Slender, elongated waxed paper bags are placed over the expanding bracts a week or more before the orange flowers are ready to emerge. The bags protect the brittle flowers by holding them inside or next to the bracts. The bag also helps prevent Botrytis mold, rain and hail damage, aphid attacks, and sunburn of the flowers. The specific epithet reginae means “queen”.