The art of preserve flowers to maintain their natural beauty Over long periods of time, it has evolved to perfect techniques that allow it to maintain both the shape and color of the chosen specimens. Among the most effective and accessible methods for most gardening enthusiasts is the drying flowers with glycerin, a procedure that combines simplicity, amazing results, and few materials. This methodology offers a homemade alternative to complex industrial systems that require expensive machinery and advanced knowledge, making it possible for anyone to enjoy preserved flowers with a fresh and flexible appearance in your decorating projects, floral arrangements or special souvenirs.
Why is glycerin effective for drying flowers?
The marketing process includesseveral phases that are reflected below: glycerization or glycerolization It consists of replacing the water naturally present in the flower tissues with glycerin, which is a thick, colorless liquid with great wetting capacityBy gradually replacing water with this substance, the flowers are protected from the sudden dehydration and drastic loss of color and texture that often accompanies other drying methods, such as air drying or traditional pressing.
Glycerin acts as a natural preservative, slowing the aging of plant tissues. It is distributed internally from the stem to the leaves and petals, preventing the flower from becoming brittle and helping to preserve its characteristic flexibility. Thanks to these properties, flowers that have undergone this treatment maintain their liveliness, texture and elasticity for months or even years.
Furthermore, the use of glycerin allows for results very similar to those achieved with professional freeze-drying or industrial preservation systems, but at home and accessible to any amateur, without the need for specialized equipment.
Benefits of drying flowers with glycerin
- Preservation of shape and structure: The gradual exchange of water for glycerin maintains the original structure of the petals, leaves and stem, avoiding the collapse and deformation of the most delicate parts of the flower.
- Color maintenance: Glycerin helps preserve the plant's natural pigments. Flowers dried this way retain more vibrant and stable tones than other methods, better resisting the passage of time and environmental exposure.
- Flexibility and less fragility: Unlike air-drying, which produces stiff, brittle flowers, the glycerin method maintains a certain degree of flexibility, making them easy to handle for arrangements, wreaths, or headpieces without the risk of immediate breakage.
- Durability: Glycerized flowers can last for months or even years with a fresh appearance, provided they are properly stored in a dry environment and away from direct sunlight.
- Versatile decorative applications: It allows you to create all kinds of floral arrangements for weddings, events, or permanent decorations, while maintaining the natural appearance of freshly cut flowers.
This method is especially valued among those who wish to preserve bridal bouquets, souvenir flowers or decorative crafts. To learn more about different conservation techniques, you can visit our section dedicated to preserved flowers and learn more about how to prolong the beauty of your favorite flowers.
Preserved and freeze-dried flowers: differences and applications
The preserved flowers These are those subjected to both chemical and physical techniques that slow down their deterioration and considerably extend their shelf life without losing their natural texture. This category includes freeze-dried flowers and those preserved with glycerin. Unlike simply dried flowers, which become rough and brittle, preserved flowers They maintain their feel and color much longer.
Industrial freeze-drying involves specialized machinery and complex processes that are not usually available to the home user, while glycerin drying simulate these results at home, producing flowers that are flexible, colorful, and pleasant to the touch. It's an ideal technique for those looking to preserve flowers without making expensive investments or requiring difficult-to-obtain equipment.
Materials needed to dry flowers with glycerin
- Fresh flowers and in good condition, preferably freshly cut and without damage to the petals.
- Liquid vegetable glycerin, available in pharmacies, drugstores, herbalists and online stores.
- Warm water to dilute the glycerin and facilitate its absorption.
- Deep container glass or plastic to dip the stems into.
- Clean scissors or sharp pruning shears to make precise cuts.
- Absorbent paper to remove excess solution from the stems after immersion.
- Tray and drying space (dark, ventilated and dry).
- Light weight (optional) to keep stems completely submerged if they tend to float.
How to dry flowers with glycerin step by step
- Preparation of flowers:
- Select flowers at their peak stage of development, when the petals are fully open, but still fresh and without signs of deterioration. Avoid flowers with very long stems, as absorption may be slower. It's recommended to leave stems 15 to 25 cm long.
- Using clean scissors, make a firm diagonal cut (approximately 45°), thus increasing the surface area for absorbing the solution. lightly flatten the base of the stem with a hammer for a few centimeters to further facilitate absorption.
- Remove any leaves below the immersion line to prevent decomposition during the process.
- Pre-dehydration (optional for some types of flowers):
- For thick-stemmed or difficult flowers, it can be helpful Soak the stems in salt water for 24 hours (one tablespoon per liter). This accelerates the onset of dehydration and improves subsequent absorption of glycerin.
- Preparation of glycerin solution:
- In the container, mix one part glycerin to two parts warm water (never boiling).
- Make sure the glycerin is completely dissolved by stirring the mixture until you get a smooth liquid.
- If you wish, you can add coloring or dye to give the flowers a special hue.
- Stem immersion:
- Place the stems in the glycerin solution, making sure that They are submerged at least half their lengthIf necessary, use a light weight to prevent them from floating.
- Absorption process:
- Leave the flowers in the mix for a period of between one and three weeks, depending on the diameter of the stem and the type of flower.
- During this time, visually check that the flowers are becoming more flexible and have a slightly darker or brighter color, without over-handling them.
- If liquid evaporates, you can add more solution throughout the process.
- Final drying:
- Once the flower is flexible and has the desired appearance, remove it from the solution and gently dry the stem with absorbent paper.
- Hang the flowers upside down in a dark, dry and ventilated place for three or four daysThis step helps the glycerin reach all the most distant parts of the flower and removes any remaining moisture.
- Once drying is complete, use scissors to remove any lower portion of the stem that may have been damaged or excessively crushed during the absorption process.
- Storage and preservation:
- Store the glycerized flowers in clean, dry and protected containers from dust, direct light, and moisture. You can use cardboard boxes or similar containers to prevent exposure to bacteria and insects.
- Always keep ambient humidity under control to prevent mold growth.
Additional Tips and Considerations
- Choose fresh flowers: The fresher the cut, the better the color and texture. Flowers from your own garden are an excellent choice.
- You can reuse materials: If you do not have specific containers, Use clean milk cartons or cartons to facilitate monitoring of absorption.
- Do not overload the container: Avoid submerging too many flowers at once. Leave space between the stems to ensure proper circulation of the solution.
- Be patient: The process may be slow, but the results are worth the wait. Practice will help you perfect the technique with different types of flowers.
- Avoid temperature variations: Sudden changes can negatively affect the absorption and drying process.
Other techniques for drying and preserving flowers
There are several classical methods for preserve flowers at home, each with its own particularities:
- Air drying: It involves tying small bunches together and hanging them upside down in a dry, dark place. This is the simplest method, although it can lead to greater loss of color and texture.
- Vase drying: Ideal for flowers such as gypsophila or hydrangea. Place the stem in a vase with a little water and let it evaporate slowly until the flower is completely dry.
- Direct heat drying: Using a microwave or oven at low temperatures, flowers can be dried quickly, although there is a risk of color deterioration if not done carefully.
- Flower pressing: A traditional technique that involves placing flowers between sheets of absorbent paper and pressing them under weight or inside books for several weeks to obtain flat, dried flowers, perfect for crafts and art projects.
Drying with glycerin It is the best option if you are looking for preserve the appearance, flexibility and color almost original of natural flowers, combining ease and optimal results.
If you dare to preserve your favorite flowers with glycerinYou'll find that this technique elevates the quality and durability of your decorative creations or crafts, allowing keepsakes and floral arrangements to accompany you for years without losing their splendor.
