Do Stems Have To Be Re-cut?
Yes always re-cut the stems always
There are 3 major reasons why this should be done.
1: When a stem is cut from the mother plant,the wound at the stem end will start to seal up, just like the sealing wound on the human skin, this has a major negative effect on the flower as water uptake will be reduced or even completely blocked!
2: Bacteria are often present the lower part (2.5cm) of the stem due to the size of the micro-organisms,they are unable to pass and move higher into the stem. So by removing the lower end o0f the stem with a sharp knife or secateurs the micro organisms will be removed.
3: Air bubbles in the flower stem will obstruct the vascular system, strongly reducing the water uptake, finally resulting in bad vase life. By re-cutting the stem the air bubbles will be released.
Why Should Or Should You Not Change The Water?
If only tap water is used, the vase solution and the stems vascular system will be contaminated with micro-organisms within a few days. For aesthetical reasons or bad smelling water changing the vase solution may be considered. Remember, using cut flower food makes changing the vase solution unnecessary during the entire vase life. When cut flower food is used, topping up/refilling with a flower food is recommended to keep micro-organisms growth under control. Preferably top up/refill with the same flower food used. Refilling is usually required after 5-7 days.
Hints and Tips for longer lasting
* Take Flowers home immediately and place in water as quickly as possible
* Choose a clean vase, Clean dirty vases by filling them with warm water, adding a few drops of bleach and letting stand for 2-3 hours.
* Add clean water and a preservative (flower food), this will keep the water clean and feed the flowers.
* Strip all leaves from the part of the stem that will be under water. Leaves contain bacteria and fungi that quickly breed and foul the water ,killing the flowers.
* Cut stems on an angle, use sharp knife or secateurs, not blunt scissors, then place straight into water,cutting at an angle makes sure the stem will not sit flat on the bottom of the vase and prevent water uptake.
* Take care when arranging the flowers in the vase, make sure the stems are not jammed into the vase, or that the ends of the stems are not smashed against the bottom of the vase.
* Choose a display site carefully, keep flowers away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat such as heaters, lamps or televisions.Flowers should also be kept away from fruit which gives off a gas could ethylene which accelerates the detiriation of the flowers.
* Remove dying or damaged flowers and leaves to prevent fungal infection or rapid wilting due to ethylene.
