How does water move up the xylem vessel?

Hydrogen bonds between water molecules give water a ‘stick’ like property called cohesion. This means molecules of water are attracted to each other. Hydrogen bonds also form between water molecules and the surfaces they come into contact with and we call this adhesion. In the xylem vessel, water molecules near the edges of the vessel form hydrogen bonds with the surface. Together adhesion and cohesion allow water to climb up the vessel.