Relaxing callas & tulips

[TGDragonfly]

Hi
This is an off spin of the reflexing roses thread. I did not want to interfere with that. But sometimes I am faced with using callas and french tulips in an artistic fashion. I have found that trying to get the stems of callas and tulips to bend usually snaps or creases them. By allowing them to not hydrate before using them they become more pliable so that you can flex them easier. How ever tulips need to be hydrated, so set them out for several hours out of water, then they are fine.

 

[dlnfloral]

Did you use fishing line or colored wire to suspend the cymbid?

 

[TGDragonfly]

fishing line.

 

[floraldesignson99th]

I've had luck with callas..even hydrated when gently and persistently massaging and warming the stems with my hand while bending in the desired direction
no luck with tulips.....do you flex before or after hydration ?

 

[twiggy]

I believe with tulips it's.. dehydrate-shape-rehydrate... someone correct me if I'm wrong please.

 

[Tracy D'Amico]

I've had luck with callas..even hydrated when gently and persistently massaging and warming the stems with my hand while bending in the desired direction
no luck with tulips.....do you flex before or after hydration ?

We use this method as well, as long as everything is at room temp. I'll have to try the tulips - fun!

 

[Mocha Rose]

The key is definitely leaving them out of the cooler and water for a few hours. If they are having a tough time, I'll run them under very warm water while massaging them.

(Go ahead Thom, insert dirty joke here)

 

[TGDragonfly]

you know I have been holding off.... you have to admit it

 

[Johan]

I tend to just strip a small amount from the stem of the calla to bend them. I know they can collapes but if you are puting them into fish bowls or similar for a wedding they are normally fine. It's a cheat I know but works a treat and very quick to do.

 

[RWK]

Indeed - by removing a thin strip of skin from the calla stem will enable you to literally tie the calla stem into a knot without breaking or creasing the stem. You can be that flexible.

As far as bending tulips.....It is DEHYDRATE - BEND and SHAPE - REHYDRATE.