As a plant, our primary concern after being cut is severe water stress. Our vascular system, specifically the xylem, which normally transports water from our roots to our petals, is abruptly severed. To maximize our viability in a vase, the initial hydration is critical. The human should cut our stems at a sharp 45-degree angle using a clean, sharp tool. This angled cut increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stem end from sitting flat on the bottom of the vase, which would block water uptake. The cut must be made underwater if possible to prevent an air embolism (an air bubble) from entering our xylem vessels and blocking the flow of water, which would cause us to wilt prematurely.
It is imperative that any leaves or secondary stems that would sit below the waterline in the vase are removed. From our perspective, submerged foliage begins to decay rapidly in the warm water, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms. These microbes then multiply and are drawn up into our stems, where they colonize and physically block our delicate vascular tissues. This blockage, known as vascular occlusion, is a primary cause of wilting and shortened vase life. By stripping these lower leaves, humans help keep the water clean and our water-conducting pathways clear, allowing us to continue hydrating effectively.
Once separated from our root system, we are entirely dependent on our stored energy reserves and the continued photosynthetic capability of our remaining leaves. Our striking yellow petals, which are actually modified leaves called ray florets, are significant energy sinks. To prolong our display, it is beneficial if we are placed in a location with bright, indirect light. This allows our green stems and any remaining foliage to perform photosynthesis, producing sugars to sustain our biological functions. However, direct sunlight will raise our tissue temperature, increase our respiration rate, and accelerate water loss, causing us to deplete our reserves and senesce (age) more quickly.
We are moderately sensitive to the plant hormone ethylene, a natural gaseous compound that accelerates aging and promotes petal drop and wilting. This ethylene can be produced by us as we senesce, by other decaying plant material in the vase (such as forgotten foliage), or by external sources like ripening fruit (e.g., bananas or apples) nearby. To mitigate this, humans should keep us away from fruit bowls and ensure the vase water is kept fresh and free of decaying matter. Changing the water every two days and re-cutting our stems under water during each change can dramatically reduce our exposure to ethylene and bacterial growth, significantly extending our vibrant appearance.
