Preserving plants involves drying them to maintain their structure and color for extended periods. This process is simple and can be done at home.
Drying Plants for Preservation
The most common method for preserving plants is air drying. This method is effective for many types of plants and requires minimal equipment. Here's how:
- Harvesting: Select healthy plants with vibrant colors. Harvest them in the morning after the dew has dried.
- Preparation: Remove all foliage from stems.
- Bundling: Tie the stems together in loose bundles using rubber bands, string, or twist ties. Avoid overly tight bundles to allow for good air circulation.
- Drying: Hang the bundles upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. This prevents mold growth and speeds up the drying process. The drying time typically takes around 3 weeks.
- Wilt-Prone Plants: If your plants wilt easily, support them during drying using a suitable material (such as a drying rack or foam board) to maintain their shape.
Other Preservation Methods (Brief Overview)
While air drying is the most straightforward method, other techniques exist, although they may require more specialized equipment or materials:
- Pressing: This technique is ideal for preserving flat specimens like flowers and leaves. It involves placing the plant between absorbent papers and applying pressure using heavy books or a plant press.
- Freezing: This method preserves the plant's structure and color but requires a freezer and airtight containers. It's generally less preferred for long-term storage compared to drying.
- Preserving in Glycerin: This method maintains plant flexibility, but requires a glycerin solution and submerging the plant. It’s a more advanced technique and may not be suitable for all plant types.
Remember to label your preserved plants with the date, plant name, and location of harvesting for future reference.
