It is concluded that stem bending in cut flowering Gerbera stems is a complex phenomenon, whereby the heavy floral head causes the stem to bend. Stem bending further seems to require at least two phenomena. The first is net water loss from the stem. This water loss was largest in the stem segment where bending occurred, likely leading to a decrease in turgor. Another prerequisite for bending is the absence of mechanical strength. The present data suggest that this lack of strength is not related to stem elongation growth or to the development of the stem cavity. The data indicate rather that the absence of a cylinder of sclerenchyma in the upper part of the stem is the main reason for of lack of mechanical strength