Care and Storage of Dried Flowers and Plants
Dried plants need to be protected from moisture. If they get too much moisture, they can rot or develop mold. They should aways be stored in an area with low humidity and moisture. Dried plants will store the best if they have been sealed. If your dried flowers were purchased from a florist, be sure to ask if they were sealed. A florist will usually seal dried plants with an aerosol sealer to preserve them and protect their color.
Wrap your dried plants and flowers in newspaper to absorb any moisture from the air. Then store them loosely in a box, being careful to give them plenty of room so they won’t get crushed. Store in a room that has low humidity and plenty of air circulation. Avoid storing in attics or basements where moisture might collect. Don’t wrap tightly in plastic, as plastic might tend to keep any moisture in where it can destroy your plants.
Store your flowers and other dried plants out of the light as well. Light, especially direct sunlight, will make vibrant colors fade. Store in a cardboard box, not a clear plastic container.
You should take steps to care for the dried plants you may have on display in your home. Wreaths and other decorations and dried plant arrangements should be kept out of direct sunlight if possible. If they are sealed properly, you will have to worry less about any humidity or moisture ruining your displays. Dust carefully with a dry cloth when needed. You can also keep your plants free of dust by using a blow dryer on a heatless setting, or use the type of canned air used for cleaning computers , if you do it very carefully.
If you do notice spots of mold or other damage on a dried plant, you may be able to save it if you act right away. Carefully clip off the damaged piece of the plant, and you will be able to keep it if the mold isn’t spreading. If a dried flower becomes wet, simply remove it from the arrangement and hang in a place with good air circulation to re-dry it.
Bugs and other critters can damage your dried flowers as well if you are not careful. If you notice any worms or other damage from bugs, like spots where they’ve been eating, you can remove the bad spots before the problem spreads. You may even have to remove the entire plant to prevent damage to ones nearby.
By taking good care of your dried flowers, and using safe storage methods, you will be able to keep them, sometimes for years, as a beautiful decoration in your home.
