Different people love different types of flowers; some love roses, other peonies, lilies, and some prefer dried bouquets. Fresh flowers have many uses like their decorative possibilities; they can be used at home, events, and offices. However, fresh flowers require care to last for at least a week. Florists in the UAE deliver fresh, vibrant flowers in pristine condition, but you can make them last a bit longer by drying them.
Differences between Dried and Preserved Flowers
There are many ways to preserve fresh flowers, but the most common is dehydrating them, leaving them face down to dry naturally. When completely dry, they go through coloration and setting treatment to regain some of their original esthetics. These flowers can make various floral arrangements, especially those with a simple or rustic appearance. Like fresh flowers, dried flowers don’t last forever; the color gradually fades, and the petals break or fall off.
Preservation is a type of drying but more sophisticated, and the results are different. This process allows flowers to maintain their natural appearance and feel like freshly-cut flowers. Freshly-cut vibrant flowers are used; they undergo a rehydration process by placing them in a mixture of glycerin and other plant substances. This liquid rises slowly and replaces the sap completely. This process takes a few days.
Tips for Caring for Dried Flowers
Dried flowers are easy to care for, and although they are fragile, they can last longer. Here are useful tips to help you keep your dried flowers looking their best.
Water? No Please!
Unlike fresh flowers, dried flowers don’t need any water. Fresh flowers need water for hydration, and it also helps to transport nutrients; without water, the flower starts to wilt and might die. Dry flowers, on the other hand, have no use for water and don’t need any nutrients. Water makes their stems weak and moldy; this can shorten their lives. Don’t water, mist, or bring them close to any water source or humidity.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Although you’ll receive your fresh blooms from a flower store in pristine condition when you dry them, they might look awesome; however, they will start to fade with time. Growing flowers require sunlight to produce essential nutrients. However, dried flowers don’t need to grow or make their own food. Although you might want to display your dried flowers next to windows and open spaces where the sun illuminates them to bring out their beauty, this is a bad idea. The sun’s ultraviolet rays break down the flower’s pigments.
Opaque Vase
Placing flowers in a clear vase without water can look odd. A pottery vase or an opaque vase complements dried flowers and contrasts with your decor. The neutral color is a great complement for these blooms.
Be Gentle
Dried flowers are fragile and need handling with care. They become more fragile with time, and some petals and small blooms might fall off. A flower store is the best place to get fresh flowers to dry. However, don’t despair; there are other uses for these petals. For instance, if your lavender petals fall out, collect them in a pouch and rub them for their calming scent. Be gentle while dusting them; hold the back to protect fragile items. You can use compressed air or a hairdryer set at low heat and speed. Keep a suitable distance from the flowers to avoid damaging them.
Good Airflow
Dried flowers love good airflow and hate fluctuating temperatures. They don’t need direct airflow from the open windows. Avoid storing or displaying them in a damp or stagnant room; this makes them damp or moist. When dried flowers become moist, they attract mold. It is wise to check the vases because they sometimes capture humidity and moisture within them; check the stems from time to time to ensure they are dry.
Permanent Spot
Unlike fresh flowers that can be squished and destroyed, dried flowers can crumble because their leaves and petals are very fragile; one wrong move and they are gone. One of the best ways to make your dried bouquet last longer is to style it in a permanent spot. More textured petals are likely to crumble with time. A permanent spot that does not require any movement or with less movement is the perfect place to display your magnificent floral arrangement; a side console or a coffee table can be an ideal spot.
Pets and kids are naturally curious and attracted to beautiful and strange things. They might knock or play with the dried flowers crumbling them. Keep them away from places with foot traffic to avoid getting caught in fur coats or knocked over. Dried flowers are sensitive to folding, pressing, and crushing.
How to Display
One of the most obvious ways to display any type of flowers is to use a vase. Dried flowers and glasses look good in vases; try various types and heights to create elaborate pieces. Another simple but elegant and effective way to display your blooms is by hanging. This is an ideal way to display your dried flowers because they don’t require the same care as fresh flowers. Use twine or jute to tie a few bunches together. Hang them upside-down from a bunch; you can also pin them to your wall to create a rustic and unique look. Some flowers like dried lavender look and smell good.
You can also create wreaths after your dry your blooms from a flower store. You can make simple or complicated wreaths, and they look good hanging on a window or wall. A hoop with any type of flowers like eucalyptus leaves can make a great wreath. Floral leaves are also excellent gifts. You can also create small posy bouquets; place them in a mini vase to create beautiful floral arrangements.
Dried flowers are easy to take care of; they don’t need water or flower food. However, they are very fragile and can easily crumble when handled carelessly. Although they are delicate, they last longer and can be displayed on windows and walls. You can get high-quality flowers that require less effort at BloomingBox.
