We had some leftover fresh eucalyptus from our brunch and decided we would try preserving it on our own – cause why let some beautiful euc go to waste?! After two to three weeks, your eucalyptus plants should be ready to use. – vase/large jar for eucalyptus Once preserved, leave your stems to dry and then they’re ready to use, or store them in a box for later in the year. To start my DIY fresh eucalyptus wreath, I first had to figure out which type of eucalyptus to choose. Step 3. One is the simple method of air drying which just involves hanging a group of stems together upside down in a well-ventilated, dry, dark place. In case you haven’t been able to tell yet, we’re big fans of eucalyptus! I learned that eucalyptus can be preserved by placing the stems in a combination of water and glycerin – if the stems are fresh enough to absorb the mixture. – fresh eucalyptus But these stems were starting to dry out. The roses absorb glycerin, which allows them to dry out while maintaining their texture instead of … Cut branches to length, removing any dead leaves or stems. Saved by The Merrythought. There are a couple of methods to choose from. Let it drain to dry to the touch and spray liberally with Wilt-Proof . Eucalyptus looks great on it’s own in a jar or vase or tied in a bundle and hanging on the wall. – DIY Yarn & Eucalyptus Wall Hanging Or just go ahead and hold a bundle and snap a euc selfie and share it with us (@themerrythought) – because we never tire of seeing more eucalyptus! Step 3: Soak the Stems and Leaves Overnight No full posts or tutorials may be shared without written permission. How to preserve eucalyptus plants to keep them from becoming dry and brittle. A favorite from last year, which I’m thinking I Trim the end of the branches, cutting at an angle. Immerse the crushed ends in a jar or vase of water immediately. One is the simple method of air drying which just involves hanging a group of stems together upside down in a well-ventilated, dry, dark place. A rubber band can be used to bundle the stems and branches together and that will allow it to remain tight when the material shrinks. Make sure that every part is evenly coated. Cellulose, the major constituent of the plant 'skeleton', is brittle when dry. All rights reserved. In order to keep leaves flexible, use vegetable glycerin, available at most drug stores and many craft stores, to preserve your eucalyptus branches. Air-drying. Then tie them together at the base using the twine. Preserving roses with glycerin helps them maintain more of their color, shape and texture than normal dried roses have. Glycerin melt-and-pour soap is a clear soap base that doesn’t contain any of the other additives such as shea butter or goat’s milk. I suggest using both methods. Collect eucalyptus when it is in peak condition. It turns w So excited to go full force holida, With just a couple hours to spare, I finished my b, Are you Christmas shopping, decorating or still re, Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. How to Preserve Eucalyptus. Silica gel is a white powder that looks like salt. – scissors/gardening shears  The water (and end of the branches) may turn brownish (you can change it out if it’s looking too icky). Cut the eucalyptus branches to the length that you want your dried eucalyptus to be. Select a jar or vase that's tall enough to hold your eucalyptus without it falling over. Store in a cool, dry spot, out of direct sunlight, while preserving. The flower absorbs the glycerine, replacing its water content with it. Trim the Eucalyptus. You can reuse the remainder of your glycerine mix – don’t be put off by the fact it may have turned brown. I had more eucalyptus than I could use at any given time. Glycerine A fantastic way to preserve flowers is to use glycerine. That means for 1 cup of glycerin you use 2 cups water :-). And a spot in your home with low to average humidity and low to medium light. Instructions Select a Container. By preserving autumn leaves with glycerin, an organic emollient, you can create a wreath that will last for months without drying out. Dry the eucalyptus plant. The use of glycerin enhances the blue-green color of the leaves. Just add one part glycerin to two parts boiling water to a vase and place the fresh cut stems in it. So excited to go full force holida Use sharp, clean scissors or anvil pruners to clip off the bottom ½ inch of each eucalyptus stem. Soak your leaves in it. Store stems in a dry dark area until they are ready to use. Adding a hygroscopic chemical (humectant) prevents cellulose from drying out completely, which keeps the plant material supple. This method will also work with green spring and summer leaves. Smash the Eucalyptus Stems. [1] I chose to employ the drying method for my wreath. Once it’s fully preserved, the leaves will be smooth, a little darker, and soft. The use of glycerin enhances the blue-green color of the leaves. You can find glycerin at drugstores and some craft stores. Because it dries clear, it’s perfect for coloring and for embedding objects such as flower petals, herbs or other kinds of soap. Happy December! Step 1. Combine the boiling water with the glycerin and stir until the glycerin has dissolved into the water. This will reduce the time and effort you need to spend pruning the branches later. It’s a clear, colorless, odorless and syrupy liquid with a sweet taste. Hang the Eucalyptus in a cool dry area for 2-6 weeks, until dry. The Merrythought. I personally don’t like using the hanging method alone as the leaves become brittle and the results just don’t look as nice in my opinion. Arrange the eucalyptus so that all the branches are in the water. If you leave your stems too long the glycerine starts to ooze out of your leaves, leaving them sticky to the touch. Drying the Eucalyptus – The Easy Way. Glycerin (Clear) Melt and Pour Soap. It should extended it for a couple weeks. Tips and Tricks: Use a foaming pump for a less runny solution. Flowers that dry especially well using this method include hydrangeas, marigolds and Chinese lanterns [source: Gouin].