How Do Cut Flowers Absorb Water?
Cut flowers absorb water the same way living ones do--through xylem tissue and with the aid of transpiration. The job of the xylem is to move water and nutrients through plants. Transpiration happens when water evaporates from the plant to the air. Within the cells, surface tension results as the molecules of the liquid are attracted to the xylem tissue and climb upward along it. Does this Spark an idea?
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Best Time to Cut Flowers
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To maximize the time cut flowers stay fresh, flowers should be cut in the morning. That is when plants are most filled with water. Transpiration is at its peak in the afternoon.
Straight to Water
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While cutting flowers in the garden, keep them in a bucket of water. If the cut surfaces are exposed to air, they may seal off and be unable to absorb water.
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Making the Cut
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Before putting flowers in the vase of water, cut the bottom of the stems at a 45-degree angle, doing this under water if possible. This cut exposes more of the stem's cut surface area to the water, which aids in water absorption.
Flower Food
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Cut flowers need nutrients just as they would if on a rooted plant. An acid to help absorption--aspirin, or lemon or lime juice--a bit of bleach to discourage bacterial growth in the water, and sugar will extend a cut flower's life.
Cutting Gear
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Use shears or a sharp knife to cut flowers. Otherwise, the stem can be damaged and the flower won't be able to absorb water.
Sap Blocks
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Some flowers have sap that clogs the stems of other plants, preventing them from absorbing water. These plants need to be segregated from others in arrangements, or the stem ends need to be scalded or seared to seal them. This solution doesn't work with daffodils.
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