Many people would love to have fresh flowers in their homes more often. This decorative solution is stunning, but it is often overpriced. Another well-known alternative is using dry flowers. They are considerably cheaper, but do not look as amazing as the natural ones. There’s even a belief that dry flowers bring bad luck.
On the other hand, a third solution exists, but fewer people are aware of it. Preserved flowers look almost as stunning as the natural ones, but they cost far less. On top of that, preserved flowers retain their shape for a longer period.
If you are preliminary like this idea and would like to find out about the sources where to buy preserved plants, draw attention to specialized providers. They typically have a vast assortment of different stunning options. It’s impressive to see for yourself. Additionally, note that wholesale preserved plants are typically less expensive. Despite their pocket-friendly rates, preserved flowers look stunning, if not fantastic. Would you like to have more examples of the cases when and how these flowers are used? Keep on reading this article, then.
What Are Preserved Flowers?
Preserved flowers are natural plants that have passed a specialized preservation process. In its course, the sap and water are replaced with biodegradable and non-toxic substances. Those substances fully preserve the plant’s shape, color, and texture, preventing it from fading and otherwise losing its original shape.
Apart from the almost excellent appearance, other benefits of preserved flowers are no need for watering, fertilizing, pruning, or replacing if they appear in some flower compositions. They can stand in different compositions for years with minimal care needed!
Preserved flowers are not artificial ones. The latter are made of synthetic materials, resembling the form and shape of original flowers as closely as possible. Artificial pieces always fail to ensure the same aesthetic appeal and feelings as natural or preserved flowers.
How Are Preserved Flowers Made?
If preserved flowers look natural but stay much longer, you may reasonably have many questions about how they are made. It is simple. The water and sap in the plant are gradually replaced by the preservation mixture, which contains glycerine, water, and optional food coloring. This substance is absolutely safe and is used in a wide range of cases: food, cosmetics, and medicine. Glycerine facilitates the retention of moisture, softness, and overall flexibility in plants. Food coloring is usually added to enhance or slightly modify the flower’s color.
The preservation process is straightforward and typically comprises the following stages:
1) Cleaning
Typically, the preservation starts once the flowers are harvested. This time is the most appropriate to preserve the flower’s beauty and freshness, especially when they are fully bloomed.
The flower should be well-prepared for preservation by removing any dirt and insects, if present. They may negatively affect the durability. In addition, its stem is cut at an angle to facilitate the absorption of the preservation mixture.
2) Immersing
The preserved flowers are immersed in a separate container that covers the flowers entirely. It is filled with the preservation liquid. They are held there for a period that can last from two days to several weeks.
3) Drying
Once the flowers are removed from the preservation liquid, they are dried in specific conditions to remove any excess moisture. More specifically, these conditions are the following:
- The temperature should be cool.
- Flowers should be stored in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and overheating.
- A low humidity level is required, varying from 40% to 60%.
- Flowers should be kept in a well-ventilated area, away from strong odors, such as smoke.
The flowers should always be handled with due care, avoiding any excessive pressure.
Where Are Preserved Flowers Used?
The ready-made preserved flowers look stunning. They greatly resemble the natural flowers. However, they are much more convenient in care and retain their shape much longer. Preserved flowers may be used in a variety of cases.
First of all, these flowers can be incorporated into a bouquet. They can form the entire composition or be mixed with natural flowers.
Apart from that, preserved flowers can also be used as decorative elements. They form excellent compositions that help to create a welcoming atmosphere in any home.
How to Choose and Arrange the Preserved Flowers?
Preserved flowers can be effectively arranged in an unlimited number of ways, depending on the owner’s preferences, purpose, and budget. Here are some useful tips in this case:
- If you are looking for add-ons for your interior, keep in mind the space you have available. Consider various parameters in this case, including room size, lighting, shape, layout, temperature, and humidity level. The space you plan to put the preserved flowers in will determine the quality, type, and size of the plant species.
- Choose the right types of preserved flowers. The first points to evaluate are the hue, texture, and shape of flowers. By the way, you may not preserve the flowers only, but also do the same actions with foliage, moss, and leaves for different thematic compositions.
- Create the final arrangement for your preserved flowers. It is also essential to choose the right arrangement for the selected flowers and any other preserved plants. The flowers may be arranged in traditional bouquets, wreaths, or even long garlands. Walls, screens, and panels work perfectly for foliage. Letters, logos, and even sculptures will work best for moss. The arrangement of preserved flowers will determine the exact placement, design, and composition of the flowers.
Bottom Line
Preserved flowers are amazing add-ons to any space. They create a warm and welcoming atmosphere as well as make guests admire them. They much resemble the natural flowers. However, preserved flowers require far less care and can retain their shapes for much longer.
These stunning pieces can be arranged in a variety of ways, including as classical bouquets and decorative elements. If you wish to add stunning notes to your home interior, choose preserved flowers! It’s a superior decorative solution!
