Flower Care: Stem Types and How to Prep Them

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Marigolds are hearty, and just need a diagonal cut with a sharp knife

Marigolds are hearty, and just need a diagonal cut with a sharp knife

When I get a beautiful bouquet of flowers, I dread the day they start to wilt. Keeping them fresh requires some knowledge of flower types, so we’re going to break down and help you identify types of flowers by cutting into the stems. Stem type determines how you’ll take care of them. There are five major stem types: solid stems, hollow stems, soft stems, woody stems, and milky stems.

Prepping flowers with solid stems

Marigolds, daisies, and other flowers with solid stems are the most hearty flowers for arrangements. All they need is a diagonal cut with a sharp blade or shears to absorb lots of water and rest happily in a bouquet.

Tulips are soft stemmed flowers, and prefer the cold

Tulips are soft stemmed flowers, and prefer the cold

Flowers with hollow stems are a little more high maintenance

Many types of flowers have hollow stems – dahlias, amaryllis, and more need to be filled with water to stay in their best health.

To fill the flower, turn it upside-down and pour water into the stem. Then, you can plug it with a little clean cotton and begin arranging. You could also plug it with your thumb and immerse it in the water. This keeps it hydrated AND keeps the stem strong and rigid so that all the buds will open up!

Soft-stemmed flowers prefer cold water

Iris, tulips, and other bulbous flowers need a little extra love. Prep some cold water and pay attention where you cut. Place your diagonal cut just above the white bulb where the stem turns green. These bulbs usually flower when the ambient temperature is pretty low, so they really prefer chilly water.

SKIP TO MY LOU BOUQUET, FIORI FLORAL STUDIO

SKIP TO MY LOU BOUQUET, FIORI FLORAL STUDIO

What about woody stems?

Plants that are woody should be cut a little differently if you have time for this level of care. Lilac, heather, and mock orange should have their stems split instead of cut diagonal. This fits with the alignment of the vascular tissues within the plant itself, and creates additional surface area so that the plant stays very hydrated.

Sappy stems need singeing

If you cut into a plant and it oozes white sap, you need to singe the stem before placing it into water. Daffodils, poinsettias, and lobelia are common milky stemmed flowers. Otherwise, the latex from the sap will clog up the plants tiny veins and stop them from sponging up that tasty water. There are a few ways to do this. You can either:

  • Dip the cut end into boiling water for 30 seconds

  • Prior to cutting, put a flame to the precut stem for 30 seconds.

If you need fresh Valentine’s Day flowers in Charlottesville, delivered to your special someone, contact Fiori Floral Studio today!


Photo credit:

Woman with tulips, Tuấn Kiệt Jr.

Woman with rose, Hassan Ouajbir

Sources:

BBG.org