From Bouquet to Bloom: Preserving the Beauty of Spray Roses

Spray roses, or miniature roses, have smaller petals but look more graceful than the long-stemmed flowers. Although their beauty is unparalleled by that of other blooms, the flowers quickly lose their appeal due to improper care. When someone gifts us a bouquet, we keep it in water for a few days but don’t look after it, resulting in quick wilting and even quicker disappointment. Alas, how can you preserve the charm of the baby roses?

This blog lists down the most effective ways to make sure your bouquets bloom, even after weeks of bringing them home. It discusses the pros and cons of those methods and a few maintenance tips to preserve the flowers’ beauty.

Which Are the Best Methods to Keep Spray Roses Fresh?

A flower is more than a gift; it’s a testament to the feelings shared between two individual and their undying love. Here’s how you can make sure those special baby roses last forever:

Air-Drying

The first attempt is to let nature take its course. Wait until the buds are ready to open up and tie the stems with a thread. Now, simply hang the flowers upside down so the moisture can evaporate. Also, ensure that there’s no water between the petals, and the flowers are kept in a dry and dark place with proper ventilation. The method can take about 2 to 4 weeks, but doesn’t involve much manual work.

Microwave Drying

Put those buds into the microwave and let the heat get rid of any moisture present in them. Put your petals between two coffee filters and place them between two microwave-safe plates. Heat the roses for a minute and look if they’ve dried up. Remember to replace the coffee filters after every minute, till the flowers are completely free from moisture.

Pressing

Flatten your baby roses and dry out the moisture with the help of a heavy object. Start by getting rid of the stems and putting the petals inside a heavy book. Close it up securely and leave it for a few days for the petals to dry out. This is a simple and convenient method. However, it can take a month or over to completely remove the moisture.

Freeze-Drying

The method requires specific equipment through which you can quickly get rid of any moisture in the roses. For this process, separate all the petals and run them through the machine. The temperature of your blooms will come below the freezing level, and moisture will instantly evaporate from them. Although it is an expensive process, but retains the original flower scent for a long time.

Resin Preservation

If you know how to work with resin, this will be a quick process to preserve your bouquet. Put your rose petals inside the resin mould and let it dry completely. Once it is set, you can remove the petals and store them.

Desiccant Drying

You can preserve the freshness of roses with silica gel for a more natural look. Open up your bouquet in a large container and fill it with the gel until completely covered. Keep it aside for a few days and wait until you feel the silica has set. Slowly remove the gel, and you’ll find the preserved flowers, smelling just like before. Although this is an easy process, you will need at least 2 to 3 kg of gel for a small bouquet.

Maintenance Tips for Your Baby Roses

Treat your flowers with respect and appreciate the sentimental value that they hold. You can preserve the freshness of the heartfelt bouquet with the help of these maintenance tips:

Store the roses in a dry and cool place, without exposing them to direct sunlight.

Do not let your flowers come in contact with water.

Only use a soft cloth or dry air to clean the preserved petals.

Remember not to press or bend the rose petals.

Use hairspray to protect the blooms after they have undergone the preservation process.