Proper pruning flower stems
The blade of the knife or scissors should be sharp and clean. The ideal angle of incision is 45°. The stems are not squeezed, so an optimal water supply is guaranteed. The cutting foam is divided and not compressed, so it can hold the stems optimally. The insertion of the stem into the foam is facilitated.
Make sure that the stem is cut completely (in diameter).
Incorrect gating of flower stems
If the cut surface is straight, the cutting foam is compressed and thus unstable. It can no longer hold the flowers, and water absorption is not optimal.
An extremely long cut does not mean that the flowers can absorb more water. It does, however, provide a large surface for bacteria to attack.
If the stem is not completely cut (in diameter) during gating, optimal water uptake is not guaranteed. The conductive pathways that are important for water absorption are usually located in the outer skin of the flower stems and not in the inner area!