Post #1639 by Fonduie on Tue, May 21, 2002 2:53 PM

I'm not sure about bird of paradise, but with most flowers you'll want to cut them at a 45 degree angle. Apparently it helps the flower with water absorption. If you have a chance, submerge the stalk in water and trim it again (while submerged). This will assist in prolonging the bloom as well.