Which technique is often used to encourage branching in floral design?

Cutting stems diagonally is an effective technique in floral design that encourages branching. When a stem is cut at an angle, it increases the surface area for water absorption, allowing the plant to take up more nutrients and moisture. This encourages healthier growth and can stimulate lateral buds to develop, leading to additional branching. This technique also promotes better stability in arrangements, as a diagonal cut allows the stem to sit more securely in the floral foam or vase.

In contrast, using thicker stems exclusively may not inherently promote branching; instead, it could lead to a more robust structure but limit the diversity of the arrangement. Removing lower leaves primarily aids in keeping the water clean and prevents bacterial growth; it does not directly stimulate branching. Pushing down on the flowers could damage the blooms rather than promote their growth or encourage healthy branching. Thus, the technique of cutting stems diagonally is the most effective method for encouraging branching in floral design.