Guide to Cutting Flowers: Straight vs. 45-Degree Angle

Properly cutting flower stems helps them absorb water efficiently and stay fresh longer. Some flowers do best with a straight cut, while others need a 45-degree angled cut. Here’s a Bloom & Song florist guide to help you know which method to use!

🌿 When to Cut Stems at a 45-Degree Angle

A 45-degree cut increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents stems from sitting flat at the bottom of the vase, reducing blockages. This method is ideal for:

✅ Most soft-stemmed and woody-stemmed flowers

• 🌹 Roses

• 🌻 Sunflowers

• 🌺 Lilies

• 🌿 Eucalyptus

• 🌷 Tulips

• 🌼 Daisies

• 🏵 Chrysanthemums

• 🌾 Delphiniums

• 💐 Stock (Matthiola)

Tip: Always recut stems every 2–3 days for continued water absorption!

🌱 When to Cut Stems Straight Across

A straight cut is best for hollow-stemmed or milky-sapped flowers, as an angled cut can cause excessive sap loss or weaken the structure. These include:

✅ Hollow-stemmed flowers

• 🌿 Gerbera daisies

• 🌾 Daffodils

• 🌸 Amaryllis

✅ Milky-sapped flowers (to prevent excess bleeding)

• 🌼 Poppies

• 🌺 Euphorbia

• 🌿 Poinsettias

Tip: For these flowers, you can briefly dip the cut end in hot water or flame-seal it to stop sap loss.

Extra Flower Cutting Tips

✔ Use sharp, clean scissors or a knife to avoid crushing stems.
✔ Remove leaves below the waterline to prevent bacteria growth.
✔ Change the water every 2 days to keep flowers fresh.
✔ Cut stems underwater (for some flowers like roses) to avoid air bubbles blocking water uptake.

Following these guidelines will help your flowers stay vibrant and beautiful for longer!