From our point of view as Nerine plants, the journey from soil to vase is a significant transition. We are geophytes, meaning we store energy and water in our bulbs to survive dormant periods. When our flower stalks are cut, this direct lifeline to our water reserve is severed. The initial hours are critical. The moment we are cut, air can be drawn into the xylem—our internal water-transport vessels—creating an embolism that blocks water uptake. Therefore, the human's first action must be to re-establish a hydraulic connection. This is best achieved by making a fresh, angled cut on our stems underwater. The angled cut increases the surface area for drinking, and the underwater cut prevents an airlock from forming, allowing us to draw water into our system efficiently and continue supporting our showy, delicate umbels of flowers.
The contents of the American vase are our entire world for the duration of our display. Plain tap water, while hydrating, is not ideal from our physiological perspective. It can contain minerals and chemicals like chlorine that may stress our cells. Furthermore, standing water is a breeding ground for bacteria, which will rapidly multiply and clog our vascular systems, leading to premature wilting. To create a supportive environment, the water should be clean, lukewarm (as cold water shocks our cells), and treated. A floral preservative is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It provides us with sugars for energy (replacing what we can no longer synthesize without our roots and leaves), an acidifier to lower the water's pH (making it easier for us to uptake), and a biocide to keep the water clean. Without this, we are essentially starving in a contaminated environment.
You will notice that our long, strap-like leaves are often still attached when we are harvested. However, for a vase life, these leaves become a liability. While they are our primary organs for photosynthesis outdoors, submerged in a vase they serve no purpose except to transpire—lose water vapor to the air. This transpiration creates a massive pull on our limited water reserves, forcing our flowers to compete for hydration. To help us conserve every drop of water for our spectacular blooms, all foliage that would sit below the vase's waterline must be removed. This not only reduces transpirational demand but also minimizes the surface area on which bacteria can grow, keeping our water cleaner for longer.
Where you place the vase in your home has a direct impact on our longevity. We are sensitive to the same environmental factors that affect us in the garden, but now we have no buffer. Direct sunlight, even through a window, will dramatically increase our temperature and rate of transpiration, causing us to wilt rapidly. Similarly, heat sources like radiators, heating vents, or even appliances like televisions create hot, dry microclimates that are detrimental. Even the seemingly innocent fruit bowl is a threat. Ripening fruits, such as bananas and apples, release ethylene gas. This plant hormone is a natural ripening and senescence (aging) agent. Exposure to ethylene will accelerate the aging process of our flowers, causing petals to drop and colors to fade quickly. For the longest vase life, place us in a cool, draft-free spot away from direct sun and fruit.
