Lisianthus is a beloved choice among florists, thanks to its delicate, rose-like petals and diverse color range. However, it’s also known to be a bit challenging to work with when it comes to post-harvest care.
In this article, Lisianthus grower Ariën van Wijk of Sunrise Holland shares his key insights alongside the flower care experts of Chrysal, to create this comprehensive guide for florists and consumers to get the most out of these soft and romantic flowers.
Lisianthus by Sunrise Holland
Ariën van Wijk comes from a long line of floriculture experts, growing up in a family known for cultivating Chrysanthemums and Lisianthus (botanical: Eustoma). With his hands-on experience in his father’s nursery, Waalzicht, he has now ventured out on his own, running his 3.7-hectare Lisianthus nursery, Sunrise Holland, since 2019. His top variety? His line of spectacular Big Sun Lisianthus is praised for its large, full blooms in soft hues. According to Ariën, “You don’t need many stems to create a ‘WOW’ effect in your bouquet.”
Sunrise Holland sells 90% of its flowers through the auction clocks of Royal FloraHolland, but Ariën also values his direct clients and has begun exploring the digital marketplace Floriday. His expertise offers valuable insight for both florists and customers alike.
Most florists know that Lisianthus needs a bit more attention than your average cut flower. A long vase life starts at the grower. As Ariën emphasizes, proper post-harvest treatment is essential for a long vase life. Follow these steps to maximize the life and happiness you get from these beautiful soft flowers.
1. Start Strong With Hydration
As with any cut flower, proper hydration is key. Lisianthus are especially sensitive, so they need immediate hydration after cutting. As mentioned before, it starts at the grower, so Sunrise Holland uses Chrysal Grow 40, a treatment designed for long vase life and optimal transport conditions. This post-harvest solution helps the flowers absorb water more effectively, ensuring they’re at their best when they reach you.
2. Proper Cleaning and Leaf Stripping
One of the most overlooked aspects of Lisianthus care is removing excess leaves from the stem. As Ariën recommends, “Make sure you remove enough leaves so that all the plant’s energy goes to the flower instead of the foliage.” By reducing leaf mass, you help the flower focus on blooming rather than sustaining unnecessary greenery, resulting in a more robust and long-lasting display.
3. Keep Them Cool
Lisianthus prefers cooler temperatures, ideally between 2°C to 5°C (35°F to 41°F). Keeping them in a cooler environment prior to and after arranging them will extend their vase life. Avoid exposing the flowers to direct sunlight or drafts, as this will cause them to wilt more quickly.
4. Cut Stems Diagonally
When preparing Lisianthus for arrangements, cut their stems at an angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stems from sitting flush with the bottom of the vase, which can hinder water uptake. Always use clean, sharp scissors or floral shears to avoid damaging the stems.
5. Use Clean Vases
Just as you’d sanitize your tools, keeping your vases clean is crucial for Lisianthus care. Bacteria build-up in a dirty vase can block the flower’s stems from absorbing water, dramatically shortening their vase life. Clean your vase thoroughly before filling it with fresh water and flower food.
6. Feed the Flowers
Both Chrysal and Ariën agree on one thing: flower food is essential. “Use it,” Ariën advises, “if you want to enjoy your bouquet for as long as possible.” It’s not just about keeping the flowers hydrated—flower food contains nutrients that help the blooms open up fully while preventing premature wilting.
For florists, using professional-grade flower food can make a significant difference. Chrysal advises Professional 2 for florists. Consumers do not often have flower food at home, so, florists, be sure to give one of those sustainable Chrysal Paper Sachets. Your client will be grateful for it and return for more flowers.
7. Refresh Water Regularly
To keep Lisianthus looking fresh, change the water every few days. Add a fresh dose of flower food when you do this. For best results, use water that is low in minerals, as Lisianthus is sensitive to hard water.
Why Lisianthus Is Worth the Effort
Though Lisianthus can be tricky to care for, the results speak for themselves. Whether you’re working with Ariën’s Big Sun variety, known for its large, voluminous blooms, or a more petite variety, these flowers make a statement in any bouquet. Their soft yet elegant petals offer a high-end aesthetic, making them a favorite among florists and clients alike.
As Ariën notes, demand for high-quality Lisianthus is on the rise, especially for varieties like Big Sun. These flowers don’t just fill a bouquet—they elevate it, offering a luxurious yet natural feel that’s hard to replicate with other blooms. Plus, their long vase life, when cared for properly, means clients get to enjoy them for days on end.
By following these tips, florists can unlock the full potential of Lisianthus, offering their clients a bouquet that’s as long-lasting as it is beautiful. After all, a little extra care goes a long way with these stunning blooms!
All photos by @sunriseholland_lisianthus.
