Drying plants for decorative purposes involves a simple process of air drying, ensuring they retain their form and color. Here's how:
Preparing Your Plants for Drying
- Harvest at the right time: Cut flowers or plants when they are at their peak color and fully open.
- Remove excess foliage: Take off any leaves below the flower heads that may rot or slow the drying process.
- Group the stems: Gather small bunches of stems together.
- The reference says: "Group the stems into small bunches and tie with a rubber band."
Drying Process: Air Drying
- Bundle and tie: Secure each bunch with a rubber band.
- The reference says: "The bunches will pull tighter as the stems shrink during drying."
- Hang upside down: Find a warm, dry, and dark space for drying, such as an attic, closet, or furnace room.
- The reference says: "Hang upside down in a warm, dry, dark area such as an attic, closet or furnace room."
- Ensure air circulation: Make sure there is good airflow around the plants to prevent mold.
- The reference says: "Avoid damp rooms or direct sun on the flowers, but provide good air circulation."
- Avoid dampness and direct sunlight: As the reference mentions, both damp rooms and direct sunlight should be avoided.
- Patience: Allow several days or weeks for the plants to dry thoroughly, depending on the type of plant and humidity levels.
Checking for Dryness
- The plants are ready when they are brittle and do not feel damp to the touch.
Using Dried Plants for Decorations
- Once dried, plants can be used in wreaths, bouquets, potpourri, or simply displayed in vases.
