Alstroemeria care tips

Alstroemeria is one of the most widely traded cut flowers in the world and is valued throughout the floral supply chain for its excellent vase life, wide colour range and reliable performance in bouquets. Thanks to the multiple flower buds on each stem, the flower continues to develop after harvest, creating an attractive display for retailers and consumers.

Available in shades of white, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple and bi-colours, Alstroemeria is recognised by its distinctive patterned petals and characteristic twisted foliage. As the flowers gradually open, each stem reveals six to eight blooms, making it a versatile filler as well as a feature flower in mixed arrangements.

Native to South America, mainly Chile, Peru and Brazil, Alstroemeria requires careful post-harvest handling to maintain green foliage, support uniform bud opening and maximise vase life throughout the distribution chain.

🔎 Challenges: Preventing Leaf Yellowing and Ensuring Uniform Flower Opening

One of the main post-harvest challenges of Alstroemeria is premature leaf yellowing. Even when flowers remain in excellent condition, foliage can quickly lose its fresh green appearance, reducing the overall ornamental value and leading to unnecessary waste.

Alstroemeria is also moderately sensitive to ethylene. Exposure during storage or transport may accelerate ageing, promote bud abortion and reduce flower quality before the stems reach the consumer. Because multiple buds continue developing after harvest, proper hydration and conditioning are essential to achieve even flower opening.

Applying the correct post-harvest treatments throughout the supply chain helps maintain healthy foliage, supports gradual bud development and delivers a consistently high-quality product to the end customer.

✅ Best Practices & Product Advice per Phase

For growers

Proper post-harvest treatment immediately after harvest is essential to preserve foliage quality and support complete bud development. Early conditioning also helps protect flowers during transport and storage, reducing quality losses later in the supply chain.

Recommended products – Grower phase

Chrysal BVB
Helps prevent premature leaf yellowing while promoting uniform bud opening.

Chrysal AVB
Provides protection against ethylene, helping to reduce bud drop and premature flower ageing during storage and transport.

Key actions

• Harvest at the recommended maturity stage.
• Cool flowers rapidly after harvest.
• Treat stems immediately after cutting.
• Minimise ethylene exposure throughout storage and transport.
• Store at 2–5°C (35–41°F).

For wholesale

Maintaining hydration and limiting bacterial growth are essential to preserve foliage quality and ensure flowers continue to develop evenly during storage and distribution.

Recommended products – Wholesale phase

Chrysal Professional 2

Key actions

• Use clean buckets and fresh treatment solution.
• Maintain the cold chain throughout storage and transport.
• Monitor water quality and hygiene.
• Avoid unnecessary exposure to ethylene sources.

For florists

Good hydration allows unopened buds to continue developing while maintaining fresh green foliage and vibrant flower colours. Clean working practices help minimise bacterial growth and extend display life.

Recommended products – Florist phase

Chrysal Professional 2 (Bag-in-Box)

Key actions

• Place stems immediately into fresh treatment solution.
• Recut stems before arranging.
• Keep buckets, tools and display containers clean.
• Avoid displaying flowers near ripening fruit or other ethylene sources.

For consumers (at home)

With proper care, Alstroemeria offers an exceptionally long vase life while gradually opening additional flowers. Using flower food supports continued hydration, healthy foliage and maximum flower development.

Recommended products – Consumer phase

Chrysal Flower Food

Care tips for consumers

• Fill a clean vase with water and dissolve Chrysal Flower Food.
• Cut 2–3 cm (1 inch) from the stems using a clean, sharp knife or secateurs.
• Remove leaves that would be below the waterline.
• Top up the vase with fresh water when needed.
• Keep flowers away from direct sunlight, heat sources and ripening fruit.