Preserved Flower as Your Choice
In Singapore, preserved flowers have gained immense popularity, especially due to the country’s high humidity. Fresh flowers, while undeniably beautiful, require more care and attention to thrive in this climate. Furthermore, there is an increasing global importance placed on sustainability and waste reduction – a key benefit preserved flowers offer. But more on that later!
The Science of Preservation
Characteristics of a Preserved Flower
Preserved flowers are 100% real, natural flowers that undergo a special preservation process to maintain their natural look and texture. They offer a perfect compromise between their counterparts: fresh and dried flowers.
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Fresh Flowers: Vibrant but short-lived
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Dried Flowers: Natural and long-lasting, but brittle and often faded in color
If these don’t speak to you, preserved flowers are the perfect in-between. They boast characteristics that include longevity, softness, and richness in color, as seen in popular choices like preserved roses, hydrangeas, and baby’s breath. Read here to find out more about which type of floral to choose – fresh or preserved.
Cellular Substitution
To preserve a flower, its natural sap is replaced with a natural, non-toxic glycerin-based solution. This process is often referred to as “cellular substitution.” Let’s break down the process step by step.
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Harvesting: This is where flowers are examined and picked at their peak of freshness.
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Dehydration: The flower’s natural, water-based organic components like sap and moisture are gradually replaced with stabilising, preservative materials like glycerin. This is all done while still keeping the original cellular structure intact and without damaging the petals.
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Re-hydration: They are re-hydrated with the preserving solution, and the flower absorbs the glycerin and stabilising agents that replace the flower’s natural water and sap.
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Colour Treatment: At this stage, natural pigments are sometimes added. This colour treatment is done to restore or intensify the flower’s original hue, ensuring a rich, vibrant color. At times, the treatment is used to change the colour in its entirety, giving us options that fresh flowers may lack.
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Stabilisation: Finally, the flowers are gently dried and set.
This precise process keeps flowers supple and soft, unlike dried flowers, which are typically dry and crisp, making them brittle.
Solution Ingredients
What does the solution that replaces the flower's sap consist of?
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Glycerin: Prevents the flower from dying out and maintains its soft, supple texture.
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Plant-based Liquids: These also play a crucial role in replacing cellular moisture to slow down decay so you can enjoy your longer-lasting blooms. They are often plant-based and eco-friendly, supporting the sustainable nature of preserved flowers.
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Colour Stabilisers: In some cases, UV-resistant colour molecules are treated to prevent fading.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Preserved Flowers Last?
Preserved flowers have an average lifespan of 1-3 years, and can last even up to 5 years with proper care. They also naturally resist pests and are less likely to mold than fresh-cut flowers. However, certain environmental factors will affect their longevity.
- Humidity and Temperature: Singapore’s climate can be challenging, to say the least. Excessive humidity and warm temperatures can shorten your preserved flowers’ lifespan.
- Placement: Where the flowers are placed also matters – how much sunlight or rain the flowers are exposed to? Just as harsh weather conditions are not ideal, poor handling and placement of flowers commonly cause shortened lifespans.
Care Tip: How Do I Care for My Preserved Flower Bouquets?.
What Are the Environmental and Emotional Benefits?
As mentioned previously, we love sustainability With preserved flowers that last longer, this reduces waste and requires fewer replacements. Your flowers deserve a longer place in your home. Granted, there may be some concerns as to the environmental impact of certain chemicals if not naturally sourced. Nevertheless, preserving flowers helps to reduce the carbon footprint as there are fewer imports and production cycles.
From the emotional angle, preserved bouquets serve as a long-lasting reminder of a special moment, love, or memory, fragile as it may be. They allow you to hold onto a sentiment far longer than a traditional bouquet, making them a truly meaningful and longer-lasting gift.
Where Can I Find Preserved Flower Bouquets in Singapore?
At The Enchanted Tree, each preserved flower bouquet is crafted with care, combining nature, science, and artistry to create gifts that truly last. We specialise in stunning, bespoke designs arranged in hand-tied bouquets.
Conclusion: Nature and Science, Perfectly Preserved
Preserved flowers are elegant proof that beauty and sustainability can beautifully coexist. Thanks to a little bit of science, you no longer have to choose between the vibrant look of fresh flowers and the longevity of dried ones.
With preserved flowers, you have something precious to gift a special someone. Because some feelings deserve to be preserved, just like your flowers.