Your boutonniere or corsage deserves to look as vibrant as possible for your special event. To ensure that your wearable flowers remain fresh and beautiful until you’re ready to wear them, using a ‘hydration chamber’ is key. This technique maintains hydration without a direct water source, making it ideal for preparing flowers in advance or for long-distance travel.
Hydration Chamber: Keeping Flowers Hydrated Without a Water Source
1. Prepare Your Flowers:
Start by spraying your flowers with Crowning Glory, a floral spray that locks in moisture once it dries. If Crowning Glory isn’t available, you can use water. It’s recommended to let the spray or water dry completely before proceeding. This ensures that the flowers are not overly wet, which could potentially harm them in storage.
2. Set Up the Hydration Chamber:
Grab a few paper towels, soak them in water, and then squeeze out the excess. Fold the damp paper towels to fit the size of your container. Place a layer of these paper towels at the bottom of your container. Next, arrange your flowers on top of this layer. Add another layer of damp paper towels over the flowers to create a humid environment.
3. Seal and Store:
Close the container securely and place it inside a resealable plastic bag or use a Tupperware container instead of a separate bag. For short-term storage, keep this setup in a cool room, ideally below 61F. If you’re storing the flowers for 1-2 days or more, place the container in the fridge. Make sure the fridge is above 34F or the flowers might get burned, also, no fruits or veggies near them. Make sure to use the vegetable drawer but remove any vegetables, as they can emit gases that might harm the flowers.
Keep this setup in a cool room, ideally below 61F or in a fridge above 34F
Important Note:
This hydration technique works best for hardy flowers like calla lilies, roses, and other similar blooms. Unfortunately, it may not be effective for all flower types. For example, hydrangeas tend to wilt quickly if they’re without water for more than 2 hours. They require constant hydration and may not fare well in a hydration chamber.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your boutonnières and corsages remain fresh and stunning for your special day. Have you tried this method before? Let us know how it worked for you!