Pressing orchids

[fishmommy]

I am planning on microwave pressing some of my vanda flowers over the next few months.
I was wondering if anyone else here presses their orchids, and if you had any advice/recommendations.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Why not use the old method of pressing?

2 pieces of cardboard, a hard surface and a few bricks in a dry environment.

[Bud]

you can freeze dry flowers or preserve them inside resin or glass blocks ...I have seen them retain their true color and form there is a shop in Boston near the commons who do those things; also brides who want to preserve their bouquet for posterity go to those kind of shops = maybe they have one in your area

[fishmommy]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Why not use the old method of pressing?

2 pieces of cardboard, a hard surface and a few bricks in a dry environment.

I am reading that microwave pressing is far superior to the old fashioned way for orchids because it preserves the color much better.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Which then bears the question...

Is this project school related or is it for personal aesthetics?

It sounds like you're doing it for a botany assignment.

[fishmommy]

I'm doing it because I want to best preserve and display my various orchids. for fun, in other words.
I've been out of school for 25 years. LOL

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Ok, then I'd suggest doing what Bud recommends, it just sounds like a better plan.

I really don't know how the microwave pressing thing works that's all.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I just looked up a YouTube vid about the microwave pressing thing. I'm not sure if you've come across it already, but I'll post it anyways for people to see:

Drying and Pressing Flowers in the Microwave - YouTube

Here's another vid that talks about pressing more complex flowers:

Preparing Flowers for the Press - YouTube

[fishmommy]

Although freeze drying would be nice, I want something I can do at home for short money. Pressing is going to be an interesting experiment. I hope to make stuff I can hang on the wall, framed and such.
I was hoping someone had tried it....

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I edited my last post with another vid. That one may be more up your alley. Orchids are complex flowers after all.