Easy DIY Tips to Preserve Flowers

The reason behind the thought of preserving a flower is quite simple- to keep the memory alive. While most people throw out withered flowers from their vase, a few like to keep them for remembrance sake. Now, the two important questions about preserving flowers are when and how should you do it. The ideal time to keep your flowers in a decorative state forever is when they are in full bloom because that way they stay preserved looking stunning. Turning to the second question, take a look at the list of easy DIY tips on how to preserve flowers.

Glycerine

Glycerine is a great way to maintain your dried flowers as it acts as a replacement for water resulting in a plant that does not dry out. All you have to do is soak the flowers in glycerine so they can absorb the substance. This will keep them looking very fresh and wrinkle-free.

Pros

• Very easy to do
• Maintains texture of petals

Cons

• Costly
• Colour fades with time
• It takes weeks to set

Microwaving

Microwaving is a unique and somewhat unconventional way to achieve the required level of preserved flowers. This method involves removing the unnecessary stems and covering the flower fully in silica gel. Set the microwave for defrosting for two-five minutes and there you have your new dried flower.

Pros

• Very fast
• Very cost-effective
• Hassle-free process

Cons

• Hard to judge the flowers dryness
• Too much heat can make the petals brittle

Sand

A convenient way to dry the moisture out of the flowers is to put some sand on them. That’s right, sand is quite an efficient method with simple steps. Cut out the stems and put the flower in the centre of the bowl filled with sand. Then slowly pour the sand on the flower but carefully as you don’t want to damage the petals. After a few mins, take the flower out and brush off the sand grains.

Pros

• Highly simple
• Very cost-effective
• Hassle-free process

Cons

• Can get very messy

Pressing

One of the oldest methods to achieve the desired result is pressing. The process involves using heavy books and absorbent paper to press the flowers. Place the flower which is covered by the paper in the centre of the book and close it. Put some heavy books to keep the flower pressed for a few days.

Pros

• Petals retain texture and colour
• Very simple
• Very cost-effective

Cons

• Limits the display of flowers
• Flowers can be easily crushed or damaged

Silica Gel

Silica gel may not be an easy or cheap method to obtain top-notch preserved flowers but it is highly recommended. Here is how you go about it- first, cut off the stems and pour some silica gel into the petals. Now, place each one of them upright in a box filled with silica gel. Then, bury each flower with the gel and close the lid of the air-tight container. Keep it closed for two weeks.

Pros

• Easy to check the dryness of the flowers
• Can control the dryness of the flowers
• The gel can be reused multiple times

Cons

• Expensive method
• Time-consuming

Epoxy Resin

The internet is going gaga over epoxy resin for preserving almost everything. This process works quite simply. First, you need to buy a mould of your choice as it will be the decorative piece in your home. Then, pour some resin into the mould, stop halfway to add the flowers and fill the remaining area with the resin. Let it dry for a few hours, once it is hard, you have your new beautiful showpiece.

Pros

• Make cool shapes
• Add bright colours
• Fast process

Cons

• Cannot change the position of the flower
• Limits the display of flowers

Air Drying

One of the easiest ways to preserve flowers is to air dry them. You have to take the leaves off the stem and tie the flowers in small bundles with a rubber band. Now, hang them upside down in a well-ventilated area and out of sunlight.

Pros

• Flowers retain smell and shape
• Hassle-free process

Cons

• Time-consuming
• Petals become very brittle

Wax Dipping

Wax dipping is one of the lesser-known yet effective ways to preserve flowers while maintaining their fresh appearance for a short period. This method involves melting paraffin wax and dipping each flower into it briefly. Once coated, place the flowers in cold water to help the wax set.

Pros

• Preserves the fresh look of flowers
• Quick and easy process
• Ideal for special occasions and displays

Cons

• Not suitable for long-term preservation
• Flowers can become fragile over time
• Requires handling hot wax carefully

Freeze Drying

If you're wondering how to preserve flowers while retaining their original beauty, freeze drying is one of the most effective methods available. It involves freezing the flowers and removing moisture through a vacuum process. While this technique is usually carried out by professionals, it delivers stunning results that closely resemble fresh blooms and is often used for preserving wedding flowers and a preserved flower bouquet.

Pros

• Retains shape, colour, and texture exceptionally well
• Long-lasting preservation
• Ideal for sentimental flowers such as wedding bouquets

Cons

• Expensive method
• Requires specialized equipment
• Not a DIY-friendly option

Hairspray Preservation

Hairspray can help extend the life of dried flowers by providing a protective coating that minimizes petal loss. After air drying the flowers, lightly spray them from a distance and allow them to dry completely. This simple trick works well when learning how to dry flowers and maintain their appearance for decorative purposes.

Pros

• Very affordable
• Helps prevent petal shedding
• Quick and easy application

Cons

• Does not preserve fresh flowers
• May make flowers stiff
• Limited preservation benefits compared to other methods

Flower Preservation Methods Comparison Table

Whether you're looking to preserve flowers at home or create a beautiful keepsake, the table below compares the most popular flower preservation techniques.

Now that you are aware of the simple ways to preserve flowers, it is time to get your artistic side out and enjoy. Just remember to keep the flowers out of direct sunlight and be patient without yourself and the process.

FAQs

Q1. What is the best way to preserve flowers at home?

The best method depends on your goal. Silica gel preserves shape and colour well, while air drying is the easiest and most affordable option.

Q2. How long do preserved flowers last?

Properly preserved flowers can last anywhere from several months to years when kept away from direct sunlight, moisture, and excessive handling.

Q3. How do you preserve fresh flowers naturally?

Natural preservation methods include air drying, pressing, and using sand. These techniques remove moisture without requiring chemicals or specialized equipment.

Q4. What flowers are best for preservation?

Roses, lavender, baby's breath, hydrangeas, carnations, and daisies are excellent choices because they retain their shape and colour well.

Q5. What is the easiest DIY flower preservation method?

Air drying is the simplest DIY flower preservation method. It requires minimal supplies and effectively preserves flowers for decorative use.

Q6. Can preserved flowers be used for home décor?

Yes, preserved flowers make beautiful home décor pieces. They can be displayed in vases, frames, resin art, wreaths, and decorative arrangements.

Q7. How do you preserve flowers with silica gel?

Place flowers upright in an airtight container filled with silica gel, cover them completely, seal the container, and leave for one to two weeks.