How should freshly cut plant material be handled to minimize wilting?

Freshly cut plant material is sensitive and can quickly lose moisture, which can lead to wilting. To minimize this effect, it is crucial to keep the plant material cool and hydrated. When kept cool, the metabolic processes in the plant slow down, which helps preserve moisture and vitality. Hydration is equally important; providing a source of water, either through immersion or by wrapping the cut ends in moistened material, helps maintain turgor pressure within the plant cells, reducing the risk of wilting.

In contrast, leaving the plant material in direct sunlight can accelerate evaporation and increase the temperature, leading to quicker wilting. Wrapping it tightly in plastic may trap heat and moisture, but it can also create an environment conducive to mold growth or decay, if air circulation is insufficient. Allowing the material to sit in a warm place will similarly promote dehydration, as warmth increases the rate of transpiration—the process by which water is lost from the plant. Therefore, keeping freshly cut plant material cool and hydrated is the best approach to prevent wilting.