Feb 28, 2025

How to Preserve Fresh Flowers for Long-Lasting Beauty

Flowers are the most vibrant and beautiful when they are fresh. Unfortunately, like all other things, flowers also have an expiry date and weather as time passes. Whether you go to the market to buy fresh flowers in Miami or order flower delivery, you must use them for decoration or other arrangements before they start weathering. What if I tell you that you can preserve fresh flowers for some time? Yes, it is possible. You can preserve flowers with just a few simple and easy-to-follow tips. Today, this blog will discuss flower-preserving tips to keep your flowers fresh, vibrant, and beautiful.

Top Flower-Preserving Tips

Let's examine some of the DIY flower preservation techniques that can help keep your flowers blossoming for a longer period.

Air-Drying Method

It is one of the most preferred flower preservation techniques followed by professionals. The air-drying method is also easy for flower enthusiasts to follow. What do you need to do? Furthermore, you don't need any equipment to follow this method. Which flowers are the best for the air-drying method? Here is the list:

Baby's Breath, money plant, strawflowers, statice, and flowers with sturdy stems.

Process:

First, cut any foliage from the stems you don't want to dry.
Use a string to tie the flower stems; however, this tip does not follow on large-in-size flowers, such as peonies and hydrangeas. Keep such flowers separate rather than binding them together.
Keep the position of the flowers upside down in a very calm and dry place. Ensure that your chosen place has good air circulation, such as a closet or a basement.

Pressing Method

Another DIY flower preservation method is pressing, where you press the flowers inside a large book. It is a time-tested method, and botanists and flower enthusiasts have used it for centuries. It is a quick and easy-to-follow method and can easily be applied. If you have just received your flower bouquet from an online florist in Miami, try this method to preserve your flowers for longer.

Process:

First, remove all the leaves. If you want to preserve them, you can cut them and press them separately.
Open a large book for about a quarter.
Now, place a watercolor sheet or cardstock on the page.
Arrange the flowers on the book page so that the blooms face down on parchment paper. Keep the parchment paper on top of the absorbent paper. Add one more absorbent paper on top of the flowers.
Now, slowly and carefully close the book.
Add 3-5 heavy books on the book with flowers.
Store it in a safe place for 3-5 weeks.

Microwave Method

Do you want to preserve flower petals or flat-faced flowers like daisies? Then, you should follow the microwave method. What does a microwave do? It quickly draws out all the moisture from the flowers, and the blooms will flatten, too.

Some botanists also recommend using silica gel to preserve the shape of the flowers. The Microwave method is the best for individual flowers, such as chrysanthemums, roses, tulips, etc. This method preserves the color and structure of the flowers excellently compared to other flower preservation methods.

Process:

Cut all the blooms from the stems once you get flower delivery in Miami.
Find a container that fits your microwave perfectly and holds your blooms perfectly. Don't use this container after using it for the drying process.
Rub silica gel on the bottom of the container.
Place flowers in the gel.
Now, add more gel over the blooms to keep the petals flattened.
Place the container in the microwave.
Start the microwave on a low heat setting for 2 to 5 minutes. Check the drying process before increasing the heat or the time.
Once the drying process is over, remove the container and cover it.
Wait for 24 hours, and then remove the gel with a soft brush.
You can also mist the petals with acrylic spray to add another layer of protection.

Sand Method

The Sand flower preservation method can also be useful for preserving fresh flowers in Miami. However, this method should be preferred for hardy flowers and foliage.

Process:

First, take a sturdy box and pour a half-inch layer of sand into it.
Now, put the flowers or foliage and stems on it.
Slowly and gradually, pour more sand around, under, and over each flower. Make sure that the flowers are completely covered with sand.
You must wait for the flowers to dry for at least two weeks before removing the sand.

Resin Method

This is a contemporary flower preservation technique that offers excellent results. However, it is tricky and must be done carefully. If you want to use preserved flowers for jewellery or other craft projects, this method will work perfectly.

Process:

First, use the air-dry method to dry your flowers and stems.
Make a layer of protective covering with old newspapers or any other papers.
Take resin and catalyst in an equal amount into disposable measuring cups.
As epoxy resin sets quickly, you mix them in small quantities for one or two flowers.
Pour the resin and catalyst into another cup and mix it for some time.
Then, dip the flower into the mix, or you can place it in a silicone form and then pour the epoxy. If you prefer the dip method, hold the flower for a few minutes to allow the epoxy to cover the petal areas.
Lift the flower and hang it over several newspaper layers until it sets perfectly.

Water and Glycerin Method

Another method of preservation for fresh flowers in Miami is the water and glycerin method. When you soak flowers in a glycerin solution, the latter will be absorbed into the stems to stay flexible. You can then use them to make a flower wreath, garland, or other luxury floral arrangements by bending the stems and branches. This method works best for flowers such as boxwood, camellia, rhododendrons, magnolia, and other blooms with mature leaves.

Process:

Use a hammer to mash the ends of the stems.
Make the mixture of water and glycerin in a 2:1 ratio.
Place the stems into a mixture.
Keep the flowers in the mixture for 2-3 weeks.
If your flowers absorb the mixture fully, add more solution in the same ratio.

Conclusion

When you bring fresh flowers to Miami and want them to last longer, these DIY flower preservation techniques are handy. These methods are easy to follow, and you don't need much equipment to process them. However, you can take some professional help from a local botanist. Also, make sure you buy the best quality flowers online or from a local Miami flower shop like Terra Flowers Miami. Keep your flowers blossoming for a longer time, and enjoy.