Preserving an Orchid Corsage

[nbgroup]

Good day Orchid Board,

I'd just like to introduce myself a bit, my name is Nathan and quite recently i discovered the beauty of orchids as i gifted my partner with an orchid corsage.

I was hoping i can get some advice about preserving an orchid corsage

It's been a week since it's come from the florist and has not been preserved at this stage, just naturally drying inside the house.

Below is a picture of the corsage, if it helps in any way.


Any advice in how to preserve the orchid (forever!) would be much appreciated, i only hope its possible to do so!

Thank you Orchid Board for any feedback, what a great community this is.

With many thanks,
Nathan.

[Ray]

This really isn't an orchid question at all, it's a "flower preservation" question. Click this link:

preserving flowers - Google Search

[nbgroup]

Thanks for the clarification Ray, i didn't realise it wasn't an orchid question. Thank you for pointing that out to me, much appreciate.
Nathan

[Dorothy]

WELCOME!
Glad you can join us here at OB

Your question is a valid one - you just put it in the wrong forum - Introduction- Break the Ice, Orchid Lounge or Off Topic is where it belongs
Buy a white Dendrobium phalaenopsis - this will keep the memory alive and with you everyday.
Dendrobium Emma 'White' - Easy Orchids :: Dendrobium :: Dendrobium Emma 'White' - UK Orchid Growing and Orchid Sales
Dendrobium Emma Bell White - http://www.torchids.co.th/d-6.jpg
and Dendrobium Jacquelyn Concert x Walter Oumae - http://www.orchidssa.co.za/dkb57.jpg
and Dendrobium Kasem White - http://www.kbkidorchid.com/images/den17.gif
and Dendrobium Miss Snow White - http://www.kbkidorchid.com/images/den3.gif
are a few white dendrobium phalaenopsis types to chose from
and there are quite a few Australian members whom would direct you as to where you can purchase one ... or two
Good luck

[smartie2000]

because it is a solid coloured bloom, the colours should come out right. Try using a silca preservant that you can buy at a craft store. This is quick drying, and the flowers come out the orginal shape.
I haven't used silica before but I stuck some into flour and it came out the same shape afterwards (people use other solids too in the past such as sand), but it will not be as fast as silica (so you may have some browns). Then put makeup on it to make the colours look accurate and to cover blemishes. Then use hairspray to keep all the pieces strong and stuck together.

[cneos]

Nathan it may be too late for this corsage but here's a place that you might try:
Preserve your Wedding Bouquet by Freeze Drying.

You can also use oatmeal to dry flowers.

When I visited Foster Botanical Gardens in Honolulu in 1993, a craftsman there was using the equivalent of extreme hold hair spray on individual dendrobium flowers. The flowers were then sealed in acrylic spray and painted with 24k gold - I still have the pendant and earrings from that visit.

I think your idea is charming ... go for it!

[nbgroup]

Wow, thank you Dorothy for showing me those very nice orchid species, they look really nice!

A Silica Preservative sounds like a good idea and so does Freeze Drying the Bouquet, I've also stumbled upon a Floral Preservationists within my area, I will give them a call up to see if Freeze Drying is an option.

I could also use the silica method smartie2000 recommended as well, if i'm unable to use the help of professional services.

Thank you smartie2000 and cneos for your advice, it has really helped me grab a good insight to methods that can be used to keep this treasured memory.

[Dorothy]

You are very welcome, Nathan - you are here - we might as well get you started on your orchid collection - it's nice to have the dendros preserved - an endearing momento! - but there's nothing like having an orchid bloom for you

[Bird Song Farm]

Originally Posted by Dorothy

You are very welcome, Nathan - you are here - we might as well get you started on your orchid collection - it's nice to have the dendros preserved - an endearing momento! - but there's nothing like having an orchid bloom for you

Dorothy is so right nbgroup, just think of waking each day to those beautiful blossoms in your home. And starting is so very easy.

Give it a thought and we hope to see around the Board soon with that orchid question.

Al