Pressed flowers are a lovely way to preserve nature’s beauty, but it’s disappointing when they turn brown. Don’t worry—understanding the causes and solutions can help you keep your pressed flowers vibrant. Let’s explore why this happens and how to fix it.
Common Reasons for Pressed Flowers Turning Brown
1.Excess Moisture Retention
One of the main culprits is leftover moisture in the flowers. When flowers aren’t dried properly before or during pressing, water remains in the cells. This moisture leads to mold growth and oxidation, which turns petals brown. Even a little dampness can cause problems over time. Flowers with thick petals, like roses or peonies, are more prone to holding moisture because their layers trap water easily.
2.Oxidation Reactions
Just like an apple turning brown when cut, flowers undergo oxidation when their cells are damaged. When you press flowers, you break cell walls, releasing enzymes that react with air. This chemical reaction darkens the petals, especially in flowers with high tannin content, such as daisies or marigolds. The longer the flowers are exposed to air during the pressing process, the more oxidation occurs, leading to browning.
3.Uneven Pressure During Pressing
Improper pressure when pressing flowers can also cause browning. If the press isn’t tight enough, flowers don’t dry evenly. Parts that aren’t pressed firmly stay moist longer, leading to rot and browning. On the other hand, too much pressure can crush the petals, damaging cells and speeding up oxidation. Different flowers need different pressure levels—delicate blooms like pansies need gentle pressure, while sturdier flowers like sunflowers can handle more.
4.Flower Maturity and Timing
The stage of flower maturity when you pick them matters a lot. Overripe flowers have more moisture and weaker cell structures, making them prone to browning. Underripe flowers might not have fully developed colors and can also turn brown as they continue to age during pressing. The best time to pick flowers is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot. This ensures they’re fresh and have optimal moisture levels.
5.Environmental Humidity and Temperature
The environment where you store the pressed flowers plays a big role in their color retention. High humidity in the room allows moisture to linger, promoting mold and browning. Warm temperatures can speed up chemical reactions, including oxidation, causing petals to darken faster. Even after pressing, storing flowers in a humid place, like a bathroom or near a kitchen sink, can lead to gradual browning over time.
6.Contact with Acidic Materials
Some materials used in pressing can be acidic, and contact with them can cause flowers to brown. Newspaper, for example, often contains acids that react with flower pigments. Cardboard that isn’t acid-free can also leach acids onto the petals. These chemical reactions break down the color compounds in the flowers, leading to discoloration, especially in sensitive blooms like lavender or violets.
7.Dye or Pigment Instability
Not all flower colors are created equal when it comes to pressing. Some natural dyes in flowers are less stable and prone to fading or browning when dried. Bright red or purple flowers, like petunias or salvias, often have pigments that react strongly to air and moisture, causing them to turn brown more easily. Understanding which flowers retain their color well can help you choose the right ones for pressing.
Preventing Pressed Flowers from Turning Brown
1.Choosing the Right Flowers
Start by selecting flowers that are ideal for pressing. Look for blooms with flat, single layers of petals, like daisies, pansies, or bachelor’s buttons. These dry more evenly and are less likely to trap moisture. Avoid flowers with thick, double petals or a lot of moisture, such as roses with many layers or succulent flowers. Pick flowers at their peak maturity—just fully open but not wilting or overripe. Check for any signs of damage, like spots or insect bites, as these areas can start browning first.
2.Preparing Flowers for Pressing
Proper preparation is key to preventing browning. Gently remove any excess moisture from the flowers. You can use a soft, dry cloth to dab the petals, especially if they were picked on a dewy day or washed. Trim the stems short, leaving just a small stub, as long stems can draw moisture back into the petals. For flowers with multiple layers, like peonies, you might want to separate the petals slightly to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup between layers.
3.Using the Right Pressing Method
Invest in a good quality flower press. A wooden press with adjustable straps allows you to apply even pressure. Place the flowers between sheets of acid-free paper, which won’t leach harmful chemicals onto the petals. Avoid using newspaper or regular printer paper, as they can be acidic. Arrange the flowers so they aren’t overlapping, giving each petal space to dry. Close the press tightly, making sure the pressure is even across all areas. You can also use heavy books as a simple press, but make sure to stack them evenly to avoid uneven pressure.
4.Controlling Environment During Pressing
Store the flower press in a dry, warm, and well-ventilated area. Avoid places with high humidity, like basements or bathrooms. A temperature between 60-70°F (15-21°C) is ideal—warm enough to dry the flowers but not so hot that it causes rapid oxidation. Keep the press away from direct sunlight, as UV rays can fade colors and contribute to browning. Check the press occasionally to make sure there’s no signs of moisture or mold, and adjust the pressure if needed.
5.Changing Paper Regularly
During the pressing process, the paper absorbs moisture from the flowers. Changing the paper every few days helps remove this moisture, preventing it from reabsorbing into the flowers. When you change the paper, gently lift the flowers with a thin tool, like a butter knife, to avoid damaging them. Use fresh acid-free paper each time to ensure no residual moisture or acids are left behind. This step is especially important for thick or moist flowers that take longer to dry.
6.Post-Pressing Care
Once the flowers are dry, handle them carefully to avoid damage. Store them in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a cardboard box with acid-free tissue paper between layers. Avoid using plastic containers, as they can trap moisture. If you plan to use the pressed flowers for crafts, like framing or laminating, make sure they are completely dry first. Laminating with a good quality, acid-free laminate can help protect them from air and moisture, preventing future browning.
Reviving Browned Pressed Flowers
1.Assessing the Damage
Before trying to revive browned pressed flowers, assess how severe the browning is. Slight discoloration on the edges might be fixable, but if the entire petal is dark brown and brittle, it’s probably beyond repair. Gently touch the flowers to see if they’re still soft or moist—if they are, there’s a chance to save them by drying them further. If they’re dry and crispy, you’ll need to focus on masking the browning or using them in projects where color isn’t the main focus.
2.Drying Further in Low Humidity
If the flowers still have moisture, place them back in the press with fresh, dry acid-free paper. Tighten the press a bit more and store them in a very dry environment, like a room with a dehumidifier. You can also use silica gel desiccant packs near the press to absorb any remaining moisture. Check on them every day to see if the browning stops and the flowers dry out completely. This method works best for flowers that started browning due to excess moisture during the initial pressing.
3.Using Natural Bleaching Techniques
For slightly browned flowers with light-colored petals, you can try a gentle bleaching method. Make a solution of water and a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (about 1 part peroxide to 10 parts water). Dip a soft brush into the solution and gently brush the brown areas. Be careful not to oversaturate the petals. Place the flowers back in the press with fresh paper and let them dry again. This can lighten the brown spots without damaging the rest of the flower, but test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
4.Creative Recycling Ideas
If the flowers are too brown to use as-is, get creative! You can crush them into potpourri, where the brown color is less noticeable among other dried materials. Use them in mixed media art projects, where they can add texture and a vintage look. You can also grind them into a powder and use it for natural dyes or crafts. Don’t let browned flowers go to waste—there are still ways to enjoy their beauty in different forms.
4 FAQs About Pressed Flowers Turning Brown
Q: Can I fix pressed flowers that have already started to brown?
A: Yes, if the browning is mild and caused by moisture, you can re-press them with fresh paper in a dry environment. For more severe browning, try gentle bleaching or use them in creative projects where color isn’t the main focus.
Q: How long should I press flowers to prevent browning?
A: Most flowers need 1-2 weeks to dry completely. Thicker flowers may take longer, up to 3 weeks. Check them periodically—when the petals are dry and brittle, they’re ready. Avoid removing them too soon, as residual moisture can cause browning later.
Q: Are there flower types that are less likely to turn brown when pressed?
A: Yes! Flowers with thin, flat petals like daisies, pansies, and lavender are less prone to browning. Their simple structure allows for even drying. Avoid thick, double-flowered varieties and those with high moisture content, as they trap moisture and are more likely to brown.
Q: Can using a microwave flower press cause flowers to brown faster?
A: Microwave presses can work, but improper use can cause browning. The high heat can speed up oxidation if the flowers aren’t dried evenly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely, use short bursts, and make sure the flowers are properly arranged with acid-free paper to minimize moisture and heat damage.
By understanding why pressed flowers turn brown and following these tips, you can enjoy beautiful, long-lasting pressed flowers. Whether you’re creating art, decorating, or preserving memories, proper care and attention will help keep your flowers vibrant and lovely for years to come.
