While dried flowers are beautiful and available year round, they do have a tendency to deteriorate and fade over time. Whether you are preserving your wedding bouquet, or that beautiful Valentine's Day arrangement, or if you just want to know how to make that expensive dried flower wreath last as long as possible, there are steps you can take to preserve those vibrant colors for as long as possible.
Things You'll Need
Silica gel
Airtight container
Instructions
1. Avoid intense and direct light. When drying flowers, it is best to do so in a dark environment. When displaying them, pay particular attention to sunlight exposure; ultraviolet light fades flowers quickly.
2. Avoid high heat. High temperatures will speed the rate of color fading and deterioration. Sometimes, heat will dry out the flowers to the point of crumbling. Typical sources of heat would be sunlight or proximity to radiators and heating vents.
3. Avoid high humidity. Humid environments such as bathrooms, basements, or porches, may cause the flowers to soften and fade.
4. Use silica gel to dry flowers. If you are drying your own flowers, using silica gel speeds the drying process thus preserving the colors better. It should be available at most craft stores and garden centers or can be purchased online. When using silica gel, make sure to use an airtight container. Otherwise, instead of absorbing water from the flowers it will absorb moisture from the surrounding air.
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