Glycerine for Flowers

Preserving flowers and foliage can be done in numerous ways, be it hanging them upside down to dry, or using a solution of glycerin and water, according to the website faqs.org. To preserve the color of the foliage, dyes can even be added to the glycerin.

Result of Glycerin Preservation

A water and glycerin solution is used to keep flowers and foliage soft and pliable, according to the website faqs.org. By placing the foliage in this glycerin/water mixture, the foliage absorbs the solution and the glycerin serves as a lubricant after the water in the plant evaporates when air-dried. This process can take several days depending on the type of flowers or foliage being preserved.

Selecting a Container

Using the appropriate container for the glycerin/water/dye mixture is an important part of the preserving process as debris and bacteria from the container may plug the conductive tissues of the plant stems. Made of glass or plastic (not metal), the container should be narrow and tall to allow for a greater depth of the solution.

Mixing the Solution

Two parts water to one part glycerin is a standard recipe for preserving foliage, according to the West Virginia University Extension Service website. First heat the water and then add the glycerin; be sure to mix well. For quicker results, plant stems can be placed in the hot mixture after they have been properly prepared by pulling back the bark and crushing the bottom four to six inches of the stems.

Amount of Solution

You should use one liquid ounce of preserving solution for every ounce of plant material, according to the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service website. Bleeding, the process of rehydration of the preserved stem, may occur when using too much solution, and could possibly ruin the surface that the finished product is placed upon. After all the solution has been absorbed bythe stems, they may be removed from the preserving container as a finished product. Woody stems take approximately five to seven days to absorb the solution; allow three to five days for flowers and grasses.

Preservation Process

The evaporation of water from the flowers and leaves is called transpiration and is the driving force of the systemic preservation process, according to the website faqs.org. Ideally, transpiration needs to occur at a controlled rate in order for the plant to absorb the preserving solution evenly throughout its tissues. The plant should not be placed in direct sunlight when preserving, and 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 75 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal, mid-range temperature.

References

• Frequently Asked Questions: Preserving Flowers
• West Virginnia University: Preserving Flowers