Trystan Casey
Drying plant specimens is a great way to preserve the graceful lines, textures, and colours of flowers and foliage. The process of drying and pressing plants can be done at home and is a great way to create visually attractive displays. However, it is important to note that some plants will require more consideration when drying, such as cacti and other succulent plants. The objective of the plant press is to flatten and evenly dry the plant specimen so that it may be preserved on a sheet of hard cardstock.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Objective | To flatten and evenly dry the plant specimen so that it may be best preserved and mounted on a sheet of hard cardstock while retaining its morphological characters |
| Equipment | Rigid frame, cardboard, blotter paper, folded newspaper, plant press, glue, sticky tape, needle and thread, plastic cover, acid-free paper, special glues and inks |
| Procedure | Press plants flat, ensure both sides of leaves are visible, turn flowers/fruits in various directions, fold long plants, halve bulky parts, place in a warm, dry location, freeze dried specimens to kill insects, attach specimens to cardboard or paper |
| Preservation | Well-preserved specimens can last hundreds of years |
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What You'll Learn
Using a plant press
To use a plant press, you will need to gather your plant specimens, ensuring you have permission to collect them. The more complete the specimen, the better—try to include the flower, leaves, and root. You can either keep the specimens moist until you are ready to press them or press them shortly after picking.
When you are ready to press your plant, consider what you want the dried specimens to look like. Ensure that both sides of the leaves are visible, and turn flowers and fruits in various directions so that the fronts, sides, and backs can be seen. Long, slender plants can be folded in a zigzag fashion or clipped in strategic locations to fit inside the newspaper sheet. Bulky parts and fleshy fruits can be halved or sliced before pressing.
Place your plant specimens on a sheet of newspaper, ensuring they are as flat as possible. If you are using a wooden, gridded plant press, start by placing a piece of wood at the bottom, followed by a layer of cardboard, blotting paper, and then your specimen in the newspaper. Add another layer of blotting paper, and then repeat this process for any additional specimens, creating a "cake" of layers. Finish by securing the press with an adjustable strap and placing a heavy weight on top, such as large books.
It will take at least a week for your specimens to dry, and you can check them periodically to see how they are doing. You may need to replace the absorbent paper every few days for fleshier plants. Once all the water is removed, the plant will last indefinitely.
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Drying plants in a car
First, it is important to understand that different plants have different drying requirements. Some plants, like cacti and other succulent plants, have fleshy tissues that may need to be cut or scooped out before drying. Long, slender plants can be folded in a zigzag pattern or clipped strategically to fit onto drying sheets. It is also crucial to retain the flowers' natural forms during the drying process.
Next, prepare the plant press. A plant press consists of a rigid frame, cardboard, blotting paper, and folded newspaper. Ensure that both sides of the leaves are visible, and turn flowers and fruits so that their fronts, sides, and backs are visible. Place the plants between the absorbent papers and cardboard layers, ensuring even weight distribution.
Place the plant press in the car, preferably in a sunny spot or the car trunk, as these areas tend to be hotter and drier. Avoid direct sunlight if the car's interior temperature may exceed the plant's tolerance. Keep the car windows slightly open to allow for air circulation and prevent extreme temperature build-up.
Check the plants regularly to monitor their drying progress. Specimens that are not particularly fleshy usually dry within 5-7 days. Replace the absorbent paper every few days for fleshier plants to prevent rotting.
Finally, once the plants are completely dry, carefully remove them from the press and mount them on cardstock for storage. Dried plants can be fragile, so handle them with care. Label the mounted specimens, and store them in closed boxes or sealed plastic bags to prevent moisture absorption.
By following these steps, it is possible to successfully dry plant specimens in a car without the use of electricity. However, it is important to monitor the plants and the car's environment regularly to ensure the process goes smoothly.
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Drying plants in a hot attic
Firstly, you will need to collect and press your plants. This process involves flattening and drying the plant specimen so that it can be mounted and preserved on a sheet of hard cardstock. To do this, you will need a plant press, which can be purchased or improvised. A simple plant press consists of two pieces of board of equal size (at least as large as a folded newspaper), pieces of corrugated cardboard, and absorbent paper such as newspaper, paper towels, or blotter paper. When pressing your plants, consider how you want the dried specimens to look. Make sure both sides of the leaves are visible, and turn flowers and fruits so that the fronts, backs, and sides are visible. Long plants can be folded in a zigzag fashion or clipped to fit inside the newspaper sheet, while bulky parts can be halved or sliced before pressing.
Once your plants are pressed, the next step is to remove all moisture from them. Any remaining moisture can cause the specimen to rot, rendering it useless. Place the pressed plants in a hot and dry location, such as your attic. Plants that are not particularly fleshy usually dry within 5-7 days. For fleshier plants, you may need to replace the absorbent paper every few days.
It is important to note that drying plants in a hot attic may take longer than other methods, and the quality of the dried plants may vary. Some people recommend drying plants at a lower temperature for better quality. Additionally, make sure to keep the buds in the dark and store them in a cooler place once they are dried.
Overall, drying plants in a hot attic is a simple and effective method for preserving plant specimens without electricity. With the right equipment and a bit of time, you can successfully dry and preserve your plant collection.
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Microwaving plants
Microwave drying takes only a few minutes and provides plant material that looks fresher and more colourful than that obtained by other methods. To retain the flowers' natural forms, put them in a supportive substance before placing them in the microwave oven. Silica gel, borax mixtures, and expanded clay cat litter can all be used, with silica gel being the preferred substance.
Only use glass, microwave-safe paper, or other microwave-approved containers to hold the flowers and desiccants. Do not cover the container. Always place a small cup of water in the oven to prevent excessive drying.
Cooking times vary depending on the characteristics of the leaf or flower. After cooking, allow the water to cool and leave the flowers in the drying agent for several hours. Some specimens need to be left overnight.
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Using silica gel
Preparing the Plant Specimens
Before placing the plant in a container, ensure that it is clean and dry. Remove any dirt or moisture from the plant to prevent the growth of mould or bacteria. If necessary, gently rinse the plant with water and allow it to air dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Choosing the Right Container
Select a container that is large enough to hold the plant without bending or squishing it. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal, as they create an airtight seal. Make sure the container is clean and dry as well to prevent any contamination.
Place a layer of silica gel in the bottom of the container. Silica gel is available in different forms, such as granules or powder. You can choose the type of silica gel that best suits your needs. Carefully place the plant on top of the silica gel, ensuring that it does not touch the sides of the container. Then, gently cover the plant with more silica gel until it is completely buried.
Sealing and Storing the Container
Secure the lid on the container tightly to create an airtight seal. Store the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. The silica gel will absorb moisture from the plant, so it is important to keep the container sealed to prevent moisture re-absorption.
Drying Time
The drying time will vary depending on the plant type and the amount of moisture present. Leave the plant undisturbed in the silica gel for at least several days to a week. Check the plant periodically to see if it feels dry to the touch. If the plant still feels moist, continue to leave it in the silica gel for a few more days.
Storing Dried Specimens
Once the plant is completely dry, carefully remove it from the silica gel. You can now store the dried plant specimens in airtight containers or sealed plastic bags. To prevent moisture re-absorption and maintain dryness, include packets of silica gel in the storage containers.
Silica gel is a versatile and effective method for drying and preserving plant specimens without the need for electricity. It helps retain the natural colours and textures of the plants, making it a popular choice for decorative purposes as well as scientific research.
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Frequently asked questions
Pressing the plant specimens is the first step in drying them. This is done to flatten the plant so that it can be mounted and preserved on a sheet of hard cardstock.
You will need a plant press and newspaper to hold the specimens. You can either purchase a plant press or improvise one with two pieces of board, corrugated cardboard, and absorbent paper. Place the plant specimen inside a few sheets of newspaper to absorb moisture, using additional paper for larger specimens. If you have blotting paper, fold that outside of the newspaper.
Place the plant press in a warm, dry, and airy place until the specimens are completely dried out. The air temperature should be no more than 100°F.
It usually takes at least a week for the specimens to dry, and longer for larger plants.
Microwaving and using silica gel are popular methods to dry flowers and other plant materials. These methods are faster and result in better color retention.
