A symbol of eternal love and respect, stunning Just Add Ice Orchids flowers are a favorite choice for elegant, special-occasion floral corsages and bouquets. Their delicate beauty, wonderful color variety and surprisingly sturdy construction have made these exotic Phalaenopsis orchids hugely popular with consumers, amateur orchid growers and florists alike.
You can prolong the magic of memorable events by preserving your Just Add Ice Orchid corsage or bouquet. Preservation in silica gel is not difficult and renders blossoms in full color and three-dimensional form; although it will take a little time to dry an arrangement due to the fleshiness of orchid petals. Preserved orchid corsages or bouquets can be mounted in glass display boxes or bell jars for presentation and display, making a lovely gift to mark a memorable event.
Just Add Ice Orchid Corsage or Bouquet Preservation
You will need:
- Just Add Ice Orchid flowers made into a corsage or bouquet
- Silica Gel – enough to fully immerse corsage or bouquet (Purchase silica gel at craft stores or hobby shops; it is inexpensive and can be reused for years. Despite its name, silica gel is a fine-grained sand-like material.)
- Plastic container with tight-fitting lid big enough to hold orchid arrangement. Try to find a container only slightly larger than the corsage/bouquet to minimize the amount of silica gel needed. There must be sufficient space for the gel to completely cover the item on all sizes.
- Display box or glass bell jar large enough to hold corsage or bouquet (Available at craft stores.)
How to do it:
- Preserve orchids as soon after the event as possible for best color and form. Remove ribbons; save for reattachment after drying.
- Pour a 1- to 2-inch layer of silica gel over bottom of a plastic container.
- Position corsage or bouquet, stem-side down, on top of gel.
- Carefully pour additional gel over arrangement, taking care not to crush blossoms. Pour gel to surround and separate blossoms from each other. Make certain flowers and greenery are completely covered.
- Place tight-sealing lid on container and store where it will not be jostled.
- Drying time will vary depending on size of arrangement. A number of weeks may be required to dry a bouquet. Check progress weekly. Orchids must be completely dry before being removed from the gel for display.
- When dry, gently brush off blossoms with a soft brush (a soft-bristle paint or makeup brush works well) and carefully reattach ribbons, if desired.
- Arrangements may be sprayed with hair spray or clear lacquer to add strength and prevent petals from becoming brittle over time.
- Display under glass to protect from dust.
