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Stem Preparation:
While cutting a stem from a plant, cut the stem on a slant position as this exposes a greater surface of the inner tissue  which takes in more easily than the protective outside tissue.
Stems which have not been placed in water immediately re-cutting should be done about two inches from the ends. This is because
- When the stem is cut from the parent plant, air enters the cut end. Sometimes this forms an air bubble which can prevent water travelling up the stem and causes wilting even though stem may be standing in water. The air bubble can normally removed cutting off two inches of stem. If this second cut is made under water then no further air can enter the end.
- When a stem is cut the end begins to seal over (as with a cut finger) and a hard callus can form which does not allow water to enter the stem and again wilting will occur. Re cutting removes the callus.
Soaking Stems:
Most flower stems benefit from standing in deep water for a minimum of two hours after the stem has received any  other special preparation and before being arranged. This is because many plants can take a certain amount of water in through the whole length of the stem. This supplements the water entering the stem end and prepares flower for a dry atmosphere. Flower, stem and leaf must be quite full of water because the amount of water taken in by the end of the stem does not always equal the amount lost in a dry room through the surface area of the exposed parts of the cutting. Gain of water from the container and loss of water to the air (transpiration) is always taking place but not necessarily at an equal rate.
Types Of Stem :
Vary in their structure, which may be strong, hard, soft and so on, soft stems absorbs in water easily and no further preparation other than re-cutting is necessary e.g. wild flowers. Hard stems absorbs in the water less easily and it is helpful to expose more of the inner tissue by cutting the stem upwards for 1-2 inches. Very thick stem can have more than one out. Eg. Roses and Chrysanthemums. Woody stems will have thick outer covering which does not allow water to get in easily. About 2 inches of this covering should be scraped off the stem end with a knife, in addition to cutting the stem upwards. Eg. Lilac and cherry. Hollow stems may be opened and filled with water by means of a small funnel and water can plug the end of the stem with cotton wool which will act as a wick to draw minimum water. If the stem needs cut shorter for the final arrangement cut under water and repeat the above process. This treatment prevents premature falling of the flower eg. Lupine and delphininms
Milky stems:
A few stems contain milky substance called 'Latax'. This leaks out of the stem when it is cut and as it dries it hardens and forms a layer which prevents the intake of water. This leakage can be stopped by holding the stem end in the flame of candle or match untill it is blackened and stops sizzling and put it in coldwater immediately. Each time when stem is re-cut this process should be repeated e.g. Euphorbias, poppies, peonies, geraniums, plum blossoms and chrysanthemum
Care Tips for Keeping Arrangements Fresh
Following are the simple methods which help to prolong the lives of cut flowers and foliage
- Always use a clean container.
- An arrangement is completed then place the arrangements away from direct heat and sunlight.
- Top up the container with water when necessary, to prevent disturbing the arrangement a rubber tube may be used to withdraw the old water and the refill the fresh.
- If necessary change the water daily
- Revive wilted flowers by re-cutting the stems enrol. As far as possible re-cut the ends of the stem under water and replace them in the container. This will help for better absorption.
- Spray the flowers or completed arrangement with a fine mist. This replenishes the moisture in the leaf and is very important in the summer when moisture evaporates quickly. Also a fine mist on the flowers looks like dew or rain droplets and creates a sense of freshness and coolness.
- Remove all excess leaves from the branches or stems of flowers. This allows the water to be used for only those necessary to the composition.
Specific Care and treatment for specific flower
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