Do you want to take better care of an already plucked flower?

You have come to the right article. Here we will answer all your questions related to the basic care of an already cut flower.

Why is it necessary to trim the stems?

There are 3 main reasons for stem pruning:

• After the flower is cut from the mother plant or from the root, the stem immediately begins to heal. In this way, the plant is protected from bacteria and desiccation by sealing the opening made during the cut. This means that when cut flowers are placed in a container or vase, the absorption of water is significantly reduced or even completely prevented, which in turn leads to the premature death of the entire flower.
• Wounds on the bark of the stem are an excellent food source for microorganisms. Microorganisms only grow if they have something to feed on in the vessel or vase. The presence of a large amount of bacteria can cause partial blockage and hinder the normal development of the plant. This is one of the main reasons to trim the stem, as well as to prevent contamination in a vase.
• Bacterial contamination and air bubbles can cause clogging. This, in turn, leads to premature drying of the cut flowers. By trimming the lower part of the stem (by at least 2-5 cm), this blockage is removed.

We also recommend trimming the stem before placing the flower in a vase if it has been left without water for more than 30 minutes. This advice can be applied in all phases of flower development. Maintaining excellent hygiene in the working areas, stopping pollution and preventing damage to the stem – all this helps to limit costs in the long run and increase the number of satisfied customers who enjoy their flowers for a long time!

Do the stems need to be pruned again?

If there is only tap water in the vase, no flower food, then there will be contamination due to the decay of the stems. If the same are then placed in clean water, it will also become contaminated. In this case, it is recommended to trim the stem by 5-10 cm. If flower food is used, the natural balance is restored and the flowers remain in optimal condition. The stem remains “clean”, and so does the vase, and no further trimming is necessary.

We recommend using the correct amount of flower food to supplement regularly without removing the stem and trimming it. In this way, the balance between the water and the stems will not be disturbed and, moreover, the risk of accidental damage to the flowers will be reduced.

What is the best way to prune the stem?

Trimming the flower stem is essential for its ability to absorb water and flower food to grow naturally. However, cutting can cause a wound that can subsequently become infected. The cleaner the cut, the better for the flower. Cutting tools with dull blades damage the stem and thus can facilitate the growth of microorganisms. A cut at a 45° angle is best. In this way, cutting is easy and does not require much force.

The wound will be clean and smooth. Cutting the stem at right angles causes much more damage. Stems that have not been in water for a while will become clogged, which is detrimental to the flower. Absorption of water is slowed down too much, causing leaves to wilt and flowers to fail to develop normally.

Vessels in many flowers vary in length, but can reach up to 10 cm.

It is usually recommended to trim about 2-5 cm. Trimming 5-10 cm, however, will ensure that all contamination is contained, regardless of the length of the vascular connections. A small oblique incision is sufficient to all vessels are unclogged. It is a myth that the incision needs to be long. Pruning more than necessary increases the risk of bacterial growth.

• Trim the stem by 2-5 cm.
• Cut at a 45 degree angle.
• A small oblique incision is sufficient.
• Use a sharp and clean knife or flower scissors.

Which cutting tools are suitable for pruning stems?

It is important to cut at least 2-5 cm of the stem if the flowers have been out of water for more than 30 minutes. Cutting tools must be sharp. This is very important, as dull blades would crush the stems, which in turn leads to damage and growth of microorganisms. Cutting tools must also be extremely clean. Dirty tools would infect the cut surface and thus the water, which would have a negative effect on the development of the flowers.

We recommend that florists disinfect their tools at least once a day and sharpen them regularly. At home, you can clean your tools before each use.

What are the negative effects of stem damage?

Our advice is to avoid damaging the stem as much as possible. Do not remove the bark and spines. This will help the flowers stay beautiful longer. Tools for scraping bark and removing thorns have an extremely negative effect on the life of flowers.

Scraping the bark

Scraping damages the bark and creates a large wound on the stem. As a result, it loses its natural protection. Wounds attract micro-organisms and can form a toxic secretion that they pass on to neighboring flowers.

The result is a wilted flower, a short vase life, and dirty, foul-smelling water.

Crush/knock

This outdated myth claims that crushing the stems will increase water absorption. The effect of this method is very short-lived, but the consequences are disastrous – the cells in the stem and bark are damaged to such an extent that much of the retained moisture leaks out. This attracts microorganisms that clog the stem, and the result is a wilted flower.

Burn

Burning the stem literally kills it! The purpose of this technique is to stop the so-called “bleeding”, or opening the stem, in order to stimulate water absorption. In the beginning, an increase in water intake may be observed. After a few days, however, the stem begins to rot and decompose in the water, which has a detrimental effect on the flower’s development.

Do all stems pollute the water in a vase at the same rate?

Not all cut flowers contaminate water to the same extent. Some types of flowers pollute more, others less. The table below lists the most and least polluting flowers.

The degree of contamination depends in part on the area of the stem and the structure of the stem bark.

• Woody (eg Rosa)
• Hairy (eg Gerbera)
• Smooth (e.g. Tulipa)
• Soft (eg Matthiola)
• Waxy (eg Dianthus)

Microorganisms attach to hairy or soft stems. This results in increased and accelerated growth of bacteria in a vase in flowers with similar stem types compared to tulips, for example. Avoid mixing water from one container with that from another as much as possible, and never mix old water with fresh.

 Why should leaves not fall into the water in a vase?

The leaves pollute the water, which in turn causes the flowers to wilt more quickly. Therefore, it is advisable to remove the leaves to the water level. Due to the reduced number of leaves, the amount of evaporated water is also reduced.

• Use cold tap water with added flower food.
• Top up regularly with water and flower food.
• Pay attention to the correct dosage of flower food.

Do the spines need to be removed?

Any wound on the stems of the roses leads to contamination of the water in the vase and damage to the bark, and can even cause bending of the flower. It is logical to conclude that the life of a rose with thorns in a vase is longer than that of a rose without thorns. Flower food, however, balances the scales and enables thornless roses to develop normally. If it is necessary to remove the spines, do so carefully and with as little damage to the tissue as possible. They are most easily removed by breaking them off by hand. All other methods are harmful to the flower.

What causes the change in stem color?

The change in the color of the stem can be due to a number of factors, both negative and neutral. Of course, the change in color has a negative effect on the appearance of the flower. Also, to customers, these flowers would be perceived as old. The reasons for a change in the color of the stem are:

Chlorine for gerberas

Chlorine is often added to gerbera vase water. The dosage for this product, which is very aggressive towards plant tissues, must be extremely precise. Overdosing causes irreversible browning of the stems. This discoloration and deterioration of stem tissue due to chlorine has a negative effect on flowers.

Surfactants

Surfactants are often used to increase water absorption. These products dissolve the wax layer on the stems, such as cloves have. However, they do not affect vase life.

Microorganisms

The rapid growth of microorganisms, as observed in vases with a large number of flowers and especially in already damaged flowers, twigs and mixed bouquets, causes a change in the color of the soft stems.

Recommendations:

• Hygiene: the growth of microorganisms is prevented.
• Avoid using aggressive products such as chlorine.
• Trim the stem by 2-5 cm (even 5-10 cm for even better results).
• Clean and wash flower pots and vases before and after use.

What causes leaf burn?

Leaf burn is a complex phenomenon and results from the bursting of leaf cells. The leaf turns gray to brown and feels dry and crunchy to the touch. Foreign matter from other flowers/branches in the vase can also contribute to leaf burn (leaf necrosis).

Possible causes of leaf burn are:

• Excessive exposure to artificial light (eg in greenhouses) causes the stomata to lose their ability to close. The amount of moisture evaporates at a rapid rate and to catch up the flower takes too much water from the vase.
• As a result of the lack of light during the last phase of growth, the weakened tissue of the flower makes it sensitive to flower food.
• Using an excessive amount of flower food – about 150% of the recommended dosage.
• “Toxic” metal ions in vase water such as zinc, chlorine, fluoride and iron (from well water).
• Use of damaging products, such as chlorine, to clean vases.
• Secretions from other flowers/branches in a mixed bouquet (e.g. narcissus secretion).

What causes yellowing leaves?

Yellowing of the leaves is a sign of a lack of natural plant growth hormones. Growth hormones regulate the production of green color in leaves. The mother plant takes care of the production of the necessary hormones.

In potted plants, growth hormone deficiency can occur when the plants do not receive enough light and water, or as a result of some other stressful situation. It is recommended that potted plants be kept in light and at a moderate temperature, as well as providing them with sufficient water and nutrients. Chrysal products provide optimal care for your potted plants! The yellowing of the leaves is a reaction to the separation of the flower from the mother plant, as it is responsible for the production of growth hormones.

After cutting, a shortage of these substances is observed. Products used by the grower, distributor and florist can prevent yellowing of the leaves. The nutrients in the various flower nutrition products compensate for the missing nutrients after plucking.

Flowers and plants that are susceptible to yellowing of leaves:

• Alstroemeria
• Erinigum
• Sparks of euphoria
• Helianthus
• Lilium
• Mattiola
• Solidaster
• A tulip
• Pelargonium
• Cale
• Cyclamen
• Christmas star
• Rose
• Anthurium