How to Care for Preserved Flowers

Preserved flowers require very little care. No water, no trimming, no daily upkeep. The main things to watch are moisture, direct sunlight and handling.

Here is how to care for preserved flowers so they hold their colour and shape for as long as they can, whether they are sitting in your studio or in a client’s room.

What preserved flowers actually are

Preserved flowers are real flowers that have been treated to retain their natural shape, colour and texture. They no longer need feeding or watering, and the main things that can affect them are moisture, light and handling. 

Do preserved flowers need water?

Preserved flowers never need water. Not in a vase, not misted, and not sprayed to freshen them up. Water can damage preserved flowers, softening petals, marking the surface and potentially contributing to mould.

If you are building an arrangement that mixes preserved stems with living ones, keep the water line well below the preserved material, or use a separate vessel.

Can preserved flowers sit in sunlight?

Keep preserved flowers out of direct sunlight.

If you are holding stock for a job weeks away, keep it protected from direct sunlight and dust rather than on display.

Can preserved flowers handle humidity?

High humidity can soften preserved flowers, affect their shape and contribute to mould. Keep preserved flowers out of bathrooms, laundries and kitchens, and away from anywhere that steams up.

For stock you’re holding for weeks, check the storage environment regularly and make sure it remains dry and well protected.

Dust them gently

Dust can make preserved flowers look dull over time. Use a soft brush, or a hairdryer on its coolest setting held well back. Work from the top down.

Avoid water, cleaning sprays and damp cloths.

Keep them clear of perfume, sprays and open flame

Perfume, hairspray and household sprays can mark or damage preserved flowers, so keep them away from aerosols and other sprays.

Keep them well clear of candles and open flame. This matters particularly in event styling, where dried arrangements may be positioned close to candles or other sources of flame.

How long do preserved flowers last?

You will find a lot of confident numbers online. One year. Two to three. Five.

We would rather give you the honest version, because the number on its own tells you very little. Kept away from direct sunlight, high humidity and heat, preserved flowers can last for years. Kept on a sunny sill in a humid room, the same stems can look tired inside a few months.

What affects how long they last:

• Direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure can fade colour and shorten the life of preserved flowers.
• Humidity: High humidity can soften preserved flowers and affect their shape over time.
• Handling: Repeated handling can damage delicate petals, so move them only when needed.

Storing and moving stock

Storage and transport are important when protecting preserved stock between jobs.

Keep stock protected from dust and moisture, and avoid placing weight on delicate blooms. Store it somewhere dry and protected from direct sunlight.

Handle preserved flowers gently when packing, transporting and installing them. Avoid crushing the heads, and minimise unnecessary handling, as repeated touching and movement can cause breakage.

Preserved flowers are forgiving. Keep them dry, away from direct sunlight and lightly dusted, and handle them gently to help them retain their look.

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