Vapor Gard™ Cold Protection for Phalaenopsis Orchid Flowers in Cold Storage

Phalaenopsis species are grown for their attractive flowers. Phalaenopsis can stand temperatures of 60 degrees F (16 degrees C) but not freezing. All of the known means of protecting the Phalaenopsis in shipment and cold storage, such as cold barrier papers and insulated cartons were tried without success. Thus, chemical means were considered as a possibility since previous studies by Miller Chemical & Fertilizer Corporation's Vapor Gard (TM) had shown that their application in the field provided cold protection. Vapor Gard (TM) treated Phalaenopsis at three percentages-one percent, two percent, and four percent levels of Vapor Gard (TM) were selected for the trial. The Phalaenopsis completely immersed in the three percent levels of Vapor Gard (TM), with a control of immersing the plant only in water. The immersing of the treated plants was carried out in a 20-gallon plastic container. All of the Vapor Gard (TM) treatments were allowed to air dry prior to refrigeration. The orchids were placed in cold storage at 42 degrees F (5 degrees C) to test the Phalaenopsis flowers protection from 42 degrees F (5 degrees C) chilling. Evaluations were conducted after 48 hours. The results of the trial significantly showed that Vapor Gard (TM) at two percent provided excellent protection of the Phalaenopsis flowers after 14 days.