Yes, always (re-)cut in all stages
The answer to this question is clear: Yes, all stems have to be (re-)cut!
There are 3 major reasons why this should be done:
-
If a stem is cut from the mother plant, the wound at the stemend will start to seal up, just like the sealing wound on thehuman skin. The crust on the wound protects the human bodyagainst micro-organisms and as such, the stem will react inprecisely the same way, i.e. sealing the stem end. This has amajor negative effect on the flower as the water uptake willbe reduced or even completely blocked! The result of this islimping leaves and flowers at first and later on they will startto wilt. In order to re-open the stem end for water uptake recutthe stem after any dry period of 30 minutes or longer.
-
 Bacteria are often present in the lower part (2-5 cm) of thestem. Due to the size of these micro-organisms, they areunable to pass the pit membranes and move up higher intothe stem. So, by removing the lower end of the stem with asharp knife/pruning shear/secateurs, these micro-organismswill be removed. Moreover, there will be no leaking of bacteriainto the fresh vase solution.
(Re-)cutting means removing most of the bacterial infection and (re-)opening the stem end for water uptake.
-
Dirt and organic material on the cutting surface and air bubblesin the flower stem will obstruct the vascular system,strongly reducing the water uptake, finally resulting in badvase life. By re-cutting, most of this ‘dirt’ layer will beremoved, and the air bubbles will be released. Totally removingthese obstructions, when flower stems are very polluted,needs a re-cut of at least 10 cm.
Re-cutting is important in all stages of the distribution chain, after dry periods or shipments at the grower, wholesalers, florist, supermarket or consumer.
It is the key to successful flower development and happy consumers!
Only the ‘wood’ vessels (xylem) are active in water uptake. |
|
