Dried Flowers, Raining Season and Humidity

Let’s face the reality

It is not rain that ruins some dried flowers, HUMIDITY is.

Now, let’s get down into why some of your dried flowers are likely to weep and how to either manage or prevent such.

In rainy season, there is high moisture in the air, and this affect some dried flowers, the same way surfaces, walls and floors become cold and damp.

What really happen is that when dried flowers absorb moisture from the air which only happens in raining season, you’d start to notice that they might turn brittle, soft, the stems may start to bend and if care is not taken, mold may start to grow on them.

The basic symptom they show when they have absorbed too much moisture beyond their capacity is that they will start to drip fluids. This symptom is called ‘weeping’ and no, they are not spoilt, and weeping can be prevented or managed.

Here is how to fix it but please note that preservation starts immediately after purchase in raining season.

Also note that, this blog post does not apply in dry season, neither does it apply to ALL dried flowers.

There are many species of dried flowers (like pinecones, Pampass, Bulrush and many more) that will never weep even at the peak of raining season, and this is based on our hands-on experience over the years.

Once you notice that your dried flowers are damp, even though weeping has not started.

1: Remove the flowers immediately from where the moisture is

2: Place them in a cool dry place with good airflows

3: Open windows only on sunny days, between late in the morning till noon. Avoid opening windows on cold days as cold air traps moisture.

4: Avoid placing them directly under sunlight as this can fade their colors but ensure there’s good airflow for the dry air from the sunny weather.

5: Put desiccant like silica gel packs, dry uncooked rice and charcoal in perforated containers and place inside the vases that contain these flowers to help pull out the moisture.

6: Don’t abandon your dried flowers in raining season, ensure to check on them two to three times in a week and check for moisture in them by touching the stems to see if your hand will be stained with fluids.

The above steps will help you prevent them from weeping.

However, if after checking you saw that they have gone beyond being damp, but are now weeping, please follow these steps immediately to save them

1: Remove flowers from where moisture is and the storage vessels

2: Use a dehumidifier or place the flowers inside the oven at 20⁰C for 20 to 30mins, ensure to open slightly the oven for airflow.

3: Confirm that the flowers are fully dried after bringing them from the over. If not, repeat step two.

4: Place them in a cool dry place to cool off the heat naturally.

5: Do not spray weeping or damp flowers until they are completely dry, as doing this will lock in the moisture and spoil the flowers eventually.

6: Avoid placing them directly under the sun as this can fade their colors but ensure there’s good airflow for the dry air from the sunny weather.

5: Once completely dry, you can now put them in clean dry vases/vessels, put desiccant like silica gel packs, dry uncooked rice and charcoal in perforated containers and place inside the vases that contain these flowers to help pull out future moisture.

All of these can be done within the comfort of your home.

Dry uncooked rice can be used where silica gel is not within your reach.

On a final note, not all species of dried flowers will need these moisture control measures, but flowers like Baby breathes, Limoniums (Caspia), Rice flowers, and Crystal glass (statice) have high tendencies to either become very damp or weep during raining season.

So, if you have any of the above flowers in your vase, please ensure to check on them.

Respect the blooms and they will last longer adding beauty to your space and crafts.

Looking for raining season flower recommendations?

Dried flowers that can withstand Nigeria raining months and last for years?

Send us a message to make selections tailored for your space, crafts and floral needs NOW!!

And if you already make your selections, visit the preserved flowers category here to shop.

And that will be the end on this episode, feel free to drop your comments, questions and your opinion.

Thanks for reading.