How to Care for Preserved Flowers: 6 Simple Rules

One of the joys of preserved flowers is how little they ask of you. There is no watering, no feeding and no trimming – they simply sit and stay beautiful. That said, a few small habits will help your arrangement look its best for as long as possible. Here are our six simple rules.

1. Keep them out of direct sunlight

Strong, direct sun is the number one cause of fading. Over time it can gently bleach the colour from petals. Choose a spot with soft, indirect light – a shelf away from a bright window is perfect.

2. Avoid water and high humidity

It sounds counter-intuitive for flowers, but preserved blooms should never be watered. Keep them away from damp environments such as bathrooms and kitchens. Very high humidity can affect the petals, while extremely dry, heated air can make them brittle – a normal, comfortable room (roughly 30–80% humidity) is ideal.

3. Handle with a gentle touch

Preserved and dried flowers are delicate by nature. Avoid pressing, squeezing or bending the petals and foliage. When you need to move an arrangement, lift it by its base or container rather than by the flowers themselves.

4. Dust them lightly

A little dust will settle over time, just as it does on anything on display. Remove it gently with a soft, dry brush, a hairdryer on its coolest low setting held at a distance, or a light puff of air. Never use water or cleaning sprays.

5. Mind the surface underneath

Keep arrangements off surfaces with oil-based varnish or fresh paint, and away from fabrics and clothing, as prolonged contact can occasionally cause staining. A coaster or a display dome adds an extra layer of protection.

6. Keep them indoors – and out of little hands

Preserved flowers are made for indoor display only. They are not toys: many pieces contain small parts and fine wires, so keep them away from young children and pets. If anyone in your home has a pollen allergy, note that these are natural dried flowers.

How long will they last?

Cared for well, preserved flowers typically stay lovely for many months and often three or more years. A little shedding of the odd petal or leaf is completely normal over time and simply reflects their natural, handmade character.

Follow these easy rules and your Lab Hana piece will keep bringing a little calm and colour to your space, long after fresh flowers would have faded.