When preparing fresh flowers for arrangements, cutting stems under water is a technique that can significantly extend their lifespan. This method prevents air bubbles from entering the stem’s vascular system, ensuring better water uptake and longer-lasting blooms.

Why Cut Under Water?

When flower stems are cut in air, tiny air bubbles can immediately rush into the freshly cut stem opening. These bubbles create blockages in the stem’s water-conducting vessels (xylem), preventing proper hydration from reaching the flower head. Cutting under water eliminates this air exposure, maintaining an uninterrupted water column within the stem.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation: Fill a large bowl or sink with lukewarm water. The container should be deep enough to completely submerge the stems you’ll be cutting. Have your sharp, clean floral scissors or pruning shears ready.

The Cutting Process: Submerge the bottom portion of the stem completely under water. Hold the stem firmly and position your cutting tool about 1-2 inches from the bottom of the stem. Make a clean, diagonal cut at approximately a 45-degree angle. The angled cut increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stem from sitting flat on the bottom of your vase.

Immediate Transfer: Keep the newly cut stem underwater and immediately transfer it to your prepared vase filled with fresh water. Don’t let the cut end come into contact with air during this transition.

Best Practices

Use the sharpest tools possible to ensure clean cuts that don’t crush the stem’s delicate vascular tissue. Dull blades can damage the water-conducting vessels, reducing the flower’s ability to drink effectively.

Cut stems every few days when changing the water in your arrangement. Each fresh cut removes any bacteria buildup and air bubbles that may have formed over time.

Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline in your vase, as submerged foliage promotes bacterial growth and clouds the water.

Additional Tips for Maximum Longevity

Add flower food to your vase water if available, or create a homemade version using a teaspoon of sugar, a teaspoon of bleach, and two teaspoons of lemon juice per quart of water. This mixture provides nutrients, prevents bacterial growth, and maintains proper pH levels.

Change the water every 2-3 days, re-cutting stems underwater each time. Clean your vase thoroughly between water changes to remove any bacterial residue.

This underwater cutting technique works particularly well for flowers with woody stems like roses, lilacs, and chrysanthemums, though it benefits virtually all cut flowers. The extra effort of this simple technique can add several days to your arrangement’s beauty and vitality.