What relative humidity should be maintained in a flower cooler to reduce water loss?

Maintaining a relative humidity level of around 70% in a flower cooler is crucial for minimizing water loss from cut flowers. At this humidity level, the moisture content in the air is high enough to slow down the rate of transpiration, which is the process by which water evaporates from the plant tissues into the atmosphere. This reduced transpiration helps to keep the flowers hydrated, preserving their freshness, color, and overall quality for a longer period.

Higher humidity levels, such as 80%, can sometimes lead to issues like increased risk of mold and bacteria growth, which can harm the flowers. On the other hand, lower humidity levels, such as 50% or 60%, would not adequately protect the flowers from rapid water loss, leading them to wilt prematurely. Therefore, 70% humidity strikes a balance between preserving the freshness of the flowers and maintaining a healthy storage environment.