Over time, preserved flowers have changed the floral market by providing an environmentally friendly and more durable product than fresh flowers. They come in various sizes and colours and can last for months or years, making them ideal for home decoration, gifts, and festive occasions. But how long does a flower last when preserved, and how does this affect its lifespan? That is why it is time to explore the fantastic world of preserved flowers to answer these questions.
What Are Preserved Flowers?
Preserved flowers are natural flowers that are treated to appear fresh and feel like one. Unlike dried flowers that may turn colourless and easily break, preserved flowers are soft and brightly coloured due to modern methods. This makes them ideal for those who love fresh flowers without the short duration that most flowers last.
Preserving flowers: The lifespan of preserved flowers
Depending on the type of preservation, these flowers can last from one to three years or more, depending on how they are treated. Preserved flowers, particularly roses, can last for five years as they are considered high-quality flower preservation. How long they last varies with the preservation process, the conditions the artefacts are exposed to and how they are manipulated.
Preserved flowers have been dried and come with a certificate showing how long they are expected to last.
1. Quality of the preservation process
The longevity of preserved flowers starts from the moment they are preserved. Sulphide preservation is one of the highest-quality preservation methods. It involves injecting the flower with a glycerin solution, which helps keep the flowers soft, flexible and vibrant for years.
Advanced Techniques: Premium brands also employ the best technology to ensure that their flowers are quality-enhanced in terms of durability.
Budget Options: Low-quality preserved flowers may be processed using inferior techniques, resulting in a short use duration.
Storage Conditions
Different flowers require certain environmental conservation conditions. However, as this paper explains, they should be stored well to last long.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: That is why the colours of the clothes can fade and wash away with time, especially if exposed to direct sunlight.
- Keep away from Humidity: In high humidity, the flowers may develop mould or compromise their preserved texture.
- Optimal Temperature: Preserved flowers should be stored in cool, dry conditions, with the optimal range being between 15 and 22°C (59-72°F).
One is to preserve flowers in a shaded area or put them into glass domes to avoid exposure to various factors.
Handling and Maintenance
These flowers are different from ordinary fresh flowers in that they hardly need any care. But if not well handled, their duration of use is likely to be shortened.
- Do Not Water: Synthetic and preserved flowers do not require water and can get spoiled if they come in contact with water.
- Gentle Cleaning: Wipe gently with a feather duster or blow gently with a hair dryer set cool air setting.
- Minimal Touching: Often, touching causes fragility and petal shedding to occur easily among the flowers being handled.
Put dried flowers on shelves or cabinets where a person or pet cannot easily touch or handle them.
Type of Flower
The type of flower also affects its longevity, in this case, the carnation flower. As much as the flowers can be preserved, there is a difference in how long they will last; roses are among the flowers which can last for several years. Some other flowers, like delicate flowers like hydrangeas or lilies,s are likely to wilt faster due to their structure.
If the flowers’ life span concerns you, choose preserved roses or similar flowers.
Environmental Exposure
The preserved flowers are more susceptible to change in the environment. Their performance can be affected by pollution, high temperatures and temperature variations.
Pollution: These particles can settle on the flowers and, in the process, reduce the brightness of the flowers.
Heat Sources: Do not place preserved flowers near radiators, stoves or any other appliance that emits heat.
Ways to Make Your Preserved Flowers Last Longer
Choose High-Quality Flowers
Buy from companies that preserve flowers using the latest technology. Premium flowers will be slightly more expensive than the usual ones, but they will last longer.
Store Them Properly
After drying flowers, remove them from the microwave and store them in a cool, dry place with little to no exposure to light and humidity. If necessary, Consider a decorative glass dome or case.
Minimise Handling
Minimise how often you touch or move the flowers. This reduces the possibility of destroying the petals or even stems of the flower if one is not very careful when handling the outside parts.
Clean Regularly
Bake the flowers in a cool oven or dust them with a soft brush. Cleaning them often removes dust that can cause them to lose their luster.
Avoid Water and Chemicals
Do not use water or any kind of cleaning solution on preserved flowers. These can harm the preservation chemicals and reduce their working life.
Why Choose Preserved Flowers?
Long-Lasting Beauty
Artificial flowers are used to make fresh flowers appear without the need to change them frequently.
Sustainability
Due to their long life span, preserved flowers are not bought as often as fresh flowers. Thus, they are an environmental product.
Versatility
They can be used for home decoration, gift hampers, and more. They come in several colours and patterns, making it easy to find one that is ideal for any occasion.
Cost-Effective
They are, however, more expensive than fresh flowers at the start since you do not have to reproduce them to replace the wilting ones.
Conclusion
Preserved flowers are more beautiful, eco-friendly, and cheaper than fresh flowers. If taken well, these flowers can last for years, and anyone passionate about them should consider going for them. In the following sections, you will discover the factors that may hinder the longevity of preserved flowers and the tips that will help you maintain the flowers’ beauty for as long as possible.
From interior design to weddings to gifts, preserved flowers are a great decision that looks great and is also practical. Thus, it is necessary to take special care of these fragile souvenirs; in this case, the souvenirs will pay off with the charm and grace of their owners for a long time.
