Care Instructions

Preserved flowers are real botanicals that have been specially treated to retain their beauty without water. With gentle care and the right environment, they can remain beautiful for a long time.

Quick Care Guide

  • Do not water or mist. Moisture can damage preserved petals, cause colour bleeding, and encourage mould.
  • Keep away from direct sunlight. Strong sunlight and UV exposure may fade the colours and make petals brittle.
  • Display indoors. Preserved flowers are not suitable for outdoor use.
  • Avoid touching the petals. Natural petals are delicate and may crease, crack, or shed when pressed.
  • Keep away from heat and strong airflow. Do not place near fireplaces, radiators, furnace vents, air conditioners, or fans.
  • Do not spray perfume or cleaning products. Alcohol, fragrance, polish, and household cleaners can stain or dry the flowers.

The Best Environment

Choose a cool, dry indoor location with moderate humidity and gentle, indirect light. Avoid bathrooms, kitchens, damp basements, sunny windowsills, and other areas with rapid temperature or humidity changes. Do not refrigerate or freeze preserved flowers.

Calgary care tip: Heated indoor air can become very dry during winter. Keep arrangements away from furnace vents and portable heaters, as continuous hot airflow may make delicate petals and foliage brittle. Do not place a humidifier directly beside the flowers.

How to Remove Dust

Use a very soft, dry makeup brush or artist’s brush and work gently from the centre outward. You may also use a hair dryer on the coolest, lowest setting from at least 30 cm (12 inches) away for only a few seconds. Never use heat, water, wet cloths, or high-pressure air.

Special Care for Different Materials

Preserved Rose Heads

Always lift rose heads from the base rather than by the petals. Do not squeeze the bloom or force the petals open. Slight differences in size, shape, colour, and outer petals are natural characteristics of real preserved roses.

Preserved Hydrangea

Hydrangea petals are especially light and delicate. Hold the stem or base when arranging, avoid brushing against clothing, and keep the flower away from strong airflow. A small amount of natural shedding may occur.

Preserved Asparagus Fern, Daisies, and Fillers

Handle these materials by the stems whenever possible. Avoid repeatedly bending fine stems or pulling the foliage apart. Store unused pieces flat or loosely supported so they are not crushed.

DIY Floral Materials Before Use

Keep unused materials in their original tray, box, or protective packaging until you are ready to create. Store them in a cool, dark, dry place with nothing heavy placed on top. Open packages carefully and allow compressed foliage or wrapping materials to relax naturally.

Colour Transfer and Natural Variation

Some preserved flowers are professionally dyed. Dark or vivid colours may transfer to pale fabric, walls, furniture, or hands—especially in humid conditions. Keep coloured flowers from resting directly against valuable or light-coloured surfaces. Because these are real botanical materials, minor variation, small marks, or slight petal movement is normal and makes each piece unique.

Safety

  • For decorative use only. Do not eat or use on food.
  • Keep away from candles, open flames, and high heat.
  • Keep small parts, wire, ribbons, and floral materials away from young children and pets.

How Long Will Preserved Flowers Last?

Many preserved flowers can retain their appearance for approximately 1–3 years or longer when cared for properly. Longevity varies with the flower type, handling, sunlight, temperature, and humidity, so it cannot be guaranteed for a specific length of time.

If you have questions about caring for your Floravault arrangement or DIY materials, please contact us at info@floravault.ca.