Your exotic flowers arrived, and they’re absolutely breathtaking. Now, the real challenge begins, which is to keep them the way they were when you received them first. But why do these unique blooms seem to fade faster than regular flowers? It’s not your fault. They’ve come from faraway places and need things that a simple vase of water can’t give them.
Let’s get straight to learn the shortcut to becoming an expert at keeping your flowers safe and preserved. We’re breaking down the science of preserving exotic flowers into simple and actionable steps. Forget the guesswork! We only provide clear solutions to problems.
You’ll learn how to give your orchids, proteas, and birds-of-paradise the VIP treatment they deserve, ensuring their extraordinary beauty doesn’t have to be short-lived. Let’s extend the life of your stunning arrangement together and also learn about the best flower preservation company in Warren.
Why Preserving Exotic Flowers Is So Difficult
Preserving a classic rose or a daisy is often straightforward. But when it comes to exotic flowers, it often comes with a unique set of challenges that can frustrate even seasoned enthusiasts. The biggest problem is that these blooms are very special because they have evolved to do well in certain, usually warm and humid, natural environments. Replicating those conditions (or successfully removing them from that environment) is a delicate science.
Structural Complexity
The first major obstacle is structural complexity. Flowers with complex labellums, like orchids, and proteas with dense, woody cores are architectural works of art. Their complex and three-dimensional shapes make it impossible to just press them down. Even pressure tends to break thick stems or crush delicate flowers, ruining the very detail we want to keep.
High Moisture Content
Furthermore, their cellular makeup is different. Many tropical varieties have exceptionally high water content within their delicate tissues. While this gives them a lush, fresh appearance, it is a wedding flower preservation nightmare. As this moisture evaporates, it does so unevenly, leading to severe wilting, shriveling, or the growth of mold if not managed with expert techniques far beyond simple air-drying.
Complex Shape & Fading Colors
Finally, their breathtaking colors are often their most fleeting feature. Birds-of-paradise and some flowers have bright pigments or soft pastel colors that are often made of unstable compounds. They are easily damaged by light and the chemical changes that happen when they dry, and the colors often fade or change to ones that are less attractive.
Therefore, preserving exotic flowers isn’t just about removing water; it’s a race against time to maintain structure, prevent decay, and lock in color, all while working against a flower that is engineered to be spectacularly fragile outside of its perfect home ecosystem.
Easy Solutions to Overcome The Problems
Do you believe that only professionals can properly store unusual flowers? You should think again! This is a bit trickier than taking care of a normal flower, but you can definitely do it at home. The key is to complement their unique traits instead of opposing them. That’s right, those tough problems have surprisingly easy answers.
1. Embrace Controlled Drying: The high moisture content in flowers like orchids or anthuriums is a primary enemy. Instead of air-drying, which can promote wilting and mold, use a desiccant. Silica gel crystals are a fantastic at-home solution. They slowly pull water from each petal, which keeps the shape and color of the flower much better than hanging it upside down. For extremely delicate flowers, burying them completely in silica gel ensures they dry evenly without collapsing.
2. Prioritize Gentle Pressure: If the flower has a tricky shape, be careful when pressing it. Don’t use regular flower presses because they squeeze too hard. Instead, use materials that fit the flower’s shape. Put the flowers between soft, absorbent sheets like Microfleur pads or parchment paper inside a book and give them a light press. Flowers with lots of layers, like proteas, might need extra padding to protect all the layers softly.
3. Fight Color Fade Proactively: Remember that the vibrant hues of exotic flowers are vulnerable to light. Once your flowers are perfectly dried, your job is to protect them. Always frame them behind UV-protective glass or acrylic. The special glazing blocks the sun’s harmful rays, protecting your flowers from dying over time. Additionally, keep your artwork out of direct sunlight to make it last even longer.
4. Too Much Water (Wet Flowers): Air-drying is a no-go for thirsty flowers like orchids. They’ll just wilt or get moldy. Your super simple fix would be to use silica gel. It’s like magic sand that carefully pulls the water out from the inside, helping the flower hold its perfect shape. Just pour the gel over your flower in a container until it’s completely buried. In a few days, you’ll have a beautifully dry and bright bloom!
5. Fancy, complicated shapes: Some flowers, like proteas, are bumpy and 3D. Smashing them flat in a book will ruin their cool shape. Give them a soft place to rest, and use something soft like parchment paper or special flower-drying pads when you press them. Gently arrange the petals and add extra padding around any thick parts. Think of it as tucking them into a cozy bed, not squishing them.
Conclusion
You finally know how to keep your exotic flowers fresh. What looked like an impossible problem at first is now a doable and satisfying task. However, keep in mind that it’s all about giving them the unique care they need. Be careful not to damage their unique forms, and keep their bright colors out of the sun.
Your breathtaking blooms don’t have to be fleeting. By following these easy steps, you can always enjoy their stunning beauty. For the finest materials, expert guidance, and beautiful framing options to showcase your success in pressed and framed flowers in Warren, visit us at The Olive Branch Studios.
