Vidre+™ Extends the Shelf Life of Potted Orchids

Potted orchids are prized for their beauty and long shelf life. However, ensuring that they maintain their aesthetic appeal over extended periods has been a challenge, as they are among highly ethylene-sensitive plants. Recent tests conducted by an independent flower lab in the Netherlands reveal that Vidre+™ stickers can significantly enhance the shelf life and quality of potted orchids. After 14 days of tests, 80% of orchids treated with Vidre+™ maintained good quality compared to only 20% of the untreated ones.

The market for orchids, whose total trade in 2022 was worth $199M, has to face a growing demand to deliver high-quality plants that withstand long transportation and retail display times. Phalaenopsis orchids, a variety favored among consumers for their elegance, array of colors and long-lasting blooms, suffer from ethylene exposure during transport and storage, leading to premature aging and quality deterioration.

Photo: Phalaenopsis test – Day 5

Testing orchids

The Dutch Flower lab conducted research on how Vidre+™ stickers with a new generation of slow-release 1-MCP affect potted Phalaenopsis orchids. In a detailed study, five Phalaenopsis varieties — Yellow, White, Pink, Purple, and Special Orchids.

The Vidre+™ labels were applied inside the sleeve at the level just under the flowers. The plants were stored for 2 days in a carton box at 20°C followed by an ethylene exposure of ± 1ppm overnight for around 12 hours. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the stickers, plants were treated with an external source of ethylene.

Photo: Phalaenopsis test – Day 14

The test included a 14-day shelf life simulation under time-lapse cameras. The conditions were carefully controlled.

Results: Enhanced Orchid Shelf Life and Quality

The test results after 14 days demonstrated that Vidre+™ significantly improved the quality and shelf life of the Phalaenopsis orchids:

Graph: Overall quality of Phalaenopsis after 14 days

• Control Group: 20% of flowers demonstrated good, with 30% poor and only 20% in good condition
• 2 cm² Vidre+™: 80% of flowers demonstrated good, with 20% reaching excellent quality.

Conclusion

The Vidre+™ stickers have proven to be an efficient solution to the challenge of ethylene sensitivity in Phalaenopsis orchids.

• maintained quality
• prolonged shelf life 
• preserved aesthetic appeal
  

By maintaining the quality of the plants, Vidre+™  technology benefits the ornamental plant industry, contributing to sustainability and reduced waste.

*Source: Research report: 50000837-538-02 conducted by a Flower Lab in the Netherlands, Date: February 2023

*Other sources: OEC.WORLD and MDPI.COM