Eucalyptus is prized for its distinctive silvery-green color and refreshing, camphoraceous aroma, making it a popular choice for home décor, crafting, and floral arrangements. Preserving the foliage allows its aesthetic and aromatic qualities to be maintained for many months or even years. The choice of preservation method depends primarily on the desired final texture of the leaves and stems.
Preparing Eucalyptus for Preservation
Careful selection and preparation of fresh stems maximize the uptake of preservatives or facilitate even drying. Harvest eucalyptus in the early morning, after dew has evaporated but before the heat of the day causes moisture loss. Selecting healthy, undamaged branches ensures a high-quality appearance, as blemishes become more pronounced during preservation.
Before preservation, strip the lower leaves clean, leaving the bottom six to eight inches of the stem bare. This prevents submerged foliage from decaying or blocking the stem’s vascular system. Using sharp shears, trim the bottom of the stem at a slight angle. This creates a larger surface area to draw in water for air-drying or the glycerin mixture for chemical preservation.
Traditional Hanging and Air-Drying
Air-drying is the most straightforward method, resulting in a brittle, stiff material that retains much of its shape and initial color. Gather the prepared stems into small bundles, ensuring air can circulate freely between them. Secure the stems tightly at the base using twine or a rubber band, noting that the stems will shrink slightly as they dry.
Hang the bundles upside down to allow gravity to pull moisture uniformly from the stems, preventing excessive leaf curling. The ideal location is a dark, dry, and well-ventilated space, such as a closet or attic. Maintain a low relative humidity (below 40%) and a cool temperature (60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit), as heat and direct sunlight can cause bleaching or rapid oil evaporation. Full drying takes approximately two to four weeks, and the foliage is ready when the stems feel rigid and snap rather than bend.
The Glycerin Method for Flexibility
The glycerin method results in a final product that remains pliable and soft, unlike the brittle texture achieved through air-drying. This technique replaces the water within the plant’s vascular system with glycerin, a humectant. To prepare the solution, mix one part vegetable glycerin with two parts near-boiling water and stir until fully dissolved.
Place the prepared fresh eucalyptus stems directly into this solution to absorb the mixture. To accelerate absorption, the bottom few inches of the stem can be gently crushed with a hammer, opening the xylem tissue. As the plant draws the mixture upward, the glycerin permeates the cell walls, stabilizing the tissue and locking in color pigments more effectively than air-drying. Preservation takes two to six weeks, and the foliage is fully preserved when the leaves feel soft, slightly waxy, and have a deeper, richer color.
Display and Long-Term Care
Once the eucalyptus is fully preserved, a few simple steps maximize its longevity in home décor displays. To reduce natural shedding, apply a light mist of clear floral sealant or unscented hairspray to the leaves. This protective coating helps anchor the delicate leaves to the stems, reducing leaf drop when the material is handled.
Periodically remove dust using a hairdryer set to a low, cool air setting. Display dried and preserved eucalyptus away from direct sunlight, as ultraviolet light causes colors to fade. Avoid areas with high or fluctuating humidity, such as bathrooms, since excess moisture can lead to mold or cause glycerin-treated leaves to become sticky.