How to Store Dried Flowers: A Complete Guide to Preserve Their Beauty
Dried flowers are an elegant way to prolong the beauty of your bouquets while adding a touch of rustic charm to your home decor. But to ensure these flowers retain their vibrancy and structure over time, it’s crucial to know the right preservation techniques. This step-by-step guide will help you preserve your dried flowers and extend their lifespan.
Why Preserve Dried Flowers?
Preserving dried flowers allows you to capture a fleeting moment of natural beauty and extend it indefinitely. Dried flowers are durable, economical, and require little maintenance, unlike fresh bouquets that fade quickly. With the right practices, you can enjoy your dried flowers for months or even years.
1. Methods to Dry Flowers Correctly
Before you can preserve dried flowers , you need to make sure they are properly prepared. Here are several methods to dry your flowers optimally.
Air Drying
This is one of the simplest and most popular methods for drying flowers . It works especially well for hardy flower varieties like roses, lavender, or hydrangeas.
- Steps : Gather the flower stems into small bunches, tying them with string. Then hang them upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated place.
- Duration : Typically it takes between two and four weeks for the flowers to completely dry.
This technique allows you to preserve the natural shape of the flowers while giving them a more vintage look.
Microwave drying
If you're in a hurry to dry your flowers, the microwave can be a quick solution.
- Steps : Place the flowers in a glass bowl with silica gel (a product that absorbs moisture), then place the bowl in the microwave. Heat them in 30-second intervals, watching carefully to avoid burning the petals.
- Duration : This process usually takes a few minutes.
This method works well for small flowers like daisies or pansies , which can become misshapen easily with air drying.
Drying with Silica Gel
Silica gel is an ideal option if you want to preserve the vibrant colors and precise shape of your flowers.
- Steps : Place your flowers in an airtight container filled with silica gel. Make sure the flowers are completely covered. Let them dry for about a week.
- Duration : One week is enough to obtain perfectly dried flowers.
This method is particularly recommended for delicate flowers such as peonies or orchids.
2. Protect Dried Flowers from External Factors
Once your flowers are well dried, it is essential to protect them from external elements that could compromise their beauty.
Humidity
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of dried flowers. If they are exposed to a humid environment, they may become warped or moldy.
- Tip : To avoid this, avoid placing your flowers in rooms like the bathroom or kitchen, which are often more humid. You can also store your dried flowers with silica gel packets to absorb any ambient moisture.
- Using a hairspray : A light spray of hairspray, commonly used for hairstyles, will help protect your flowers from humidity and dust.
Direct Sunlight
Dried flowers are sensitive to direct sunlight, which can discolor their petals over time.
- Tip : Place your flower arrangements in areas where they won't be exposed to direct sunlight. Curtains can also filter light while still providing enough lighting to showcase your flowers.
Dust
Dried flowers can accumulate dust over time, which can alter their appearance.
- Gentle cleaning : Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove dust or a hair dryer on cool setting to blow away dust without damaging the fragile petals.
3. Storing Dried Flowers
If you're not planning on displaying your dried flowers right away, it's crucial to store them properly so they don't lose their beauty.
Use of Cardboard Boxes
To preserve dried flowers , store them in cardboard boxes, which allow good air circulation. This prevents mold linked to humidity.
- Tip : Add dehumidifier packets to the box to ensure a dry environment.
- Alternative : Use glass jars with airtight lids to display your dried flowers while protecting them.
Suspension
If you're short on space, you can continue to hang your dried flowers upside down, even after drying, to keep them in their perfect shape.
4. Ideas for Preserving Dried Flowers in Decoration
Once you've successfully preserved your dried flowers, here are some ideas for incorporating them into your interior decor.
Eternal Bouquets
Dried flower bouquets are timeless and fit into almost any interior. You can place them in ceramic vases or glass jars to create a decorative effect.
- Decorating tip : Mix different varieties of dried flowers to create unique arrangements. Flowers like lavender , eucalyptus and pampas are very popular.
Dried Flower Crowns
Dried flower wreaths are a beautiful way to add a natural touch to your doors, windows or walls. Use a metal or wooden circle as a base, then tie your dried flowers around it.
Dried Flower Paintings and Frames
Another interesting idea is to create paintings or frames with your dried flowers. Place them between two sheets of glass or press them flat to frame them. This gives an elegant effect while protecting the flowers from time.
5. Tips to Extend the Life of Dried Flowers
Do Not Overhandle
Dried flowers are fragile and can easily lose their petals if handled too much. Try to touch them as little as possible.
Using a Spray Varnish
If you want to give your dried flowers extra protection, you can use a spray varnish specifically for dried flowers . This will help strengthen the petals and protect them from humidity and UV rays.
Repairing Broken Petals
If your dried flowers break slightly, you can use a small amount of fabric glue to repair them.
Conclusion
Preserving dried flowers is a great way to capture the beauty of flowers for a longer period of time. With the right drying and preservation techniques, you can enjoy unique floral arrangements that add a natural and artistic touch to your home. Whether you choose to air dry , microwave dry , or dry with silica gel , the most important thing is to protect your flowers from external factors such as humidity and light. By following our tips, you can extend the life of your dried flowers and incorporate them into original and sustainable creations.
Also discover our article on How to make a bouquet of artificial flowers to enhance your interior decoration.
