Preserved flowers can last between one to three years, and sometimes even longer with proper care. Unlike fresh flowers, they do not require water or sunlight. Their longevity depends on factors like the type of flower, the quality of the preservation process, and the environment they are kept in.
This guide explains everything you need to know about their lifespan, how to care for them to ensure they stay beautiful, and why they are a smart choice for gifting and home decor in Singapore.
What Exactly Are Preserved Flowers?
Understanding what preserved flowers are is the first step to appreciating their unique beauty and longevity. They are often called “eternal flowers” or “forever roses,” and while they don’t last forever, they offer a lifespan that fresh flowers cannot match.
The Definition of a Preserved Flower
A preserved flower is a 100% real, natural flower that has undergone a special preservation process. This treatment allows it to maintain its original beauty, soft texture, and vibrant colour for months or even years. It is important to know they are not artificial flowers made from silk or plastic.
They are genuine flowers, frozen in their moment of perfect bloom, offering the aesthetic of fresh flowers without the short lifespan.
A Simple Look at the Preservation Process
The transformation from a fresh flower to a preserved one is a delicate process. Here is a simple breakdown of how it works:
- Harvesting: Flowers are picked at their peak, when they are most beautiful and vibrant.
- Rehydration: Instead of being left to dry out, the freshly cut flowers are placed in a special mixture.
- Solution Absorption: The flower slowly absorbs a plant-based, non-toxic solution made primarily of glycerin and other natural elements.
- Stabilisation: As the flower drinks this solution, its natural sap and water content are replaced. This process rehydrates the flower from the inside out, effectively pausing its natural ageing process.
This technique is what allows the petals to remain soft and supple, unlike dried flowers which can be very brittle. The colours are also locked in, retaining their vibrancy for a long time.
Preserved Flowers vs. Dried Flowers vs. Fresh Flowers
When choosing flowers, it’s helpful to understand the key differences between your options. For busy Singaporean families, the choice often comes down to beauty, maintenance, and value.
Lifespan
- Fresh Flowers: Typically last 3 to 7 days before wilting.
- Dried Flowers: Can last for several months up to a year, but they become very fragile.
- Preserved Flowers: Easily last for 1 to 3 years, and even longer under ideal conditions.
Appearance
- Fresh Flowers: Vibrant, soft, and fragrant, but their beauty is fleeting.
- Dried Flowers: Often have a faded, muted colour palette. They are brittle to the touch and can break easily.
- Preserved Flowers: Look and feel remarkably like fresh flowers. They maintain a soft texture and rich, deep colours.
Care and Maintenance
- Fresh Flowers: Require daily care, including fresh water, trimming stems, and removing wilted leaves.
- Dried Flowers: Need no water but must be handled with extreme care to prevent crumbling. They are also prone to shedding.
- Preserved Flowers: Require almost no maintenance. They need no water and no sunlight, just occasional light dusting.
Cost and Value
- Fresh Flowers: Have the lowest initial cost per bouquet but require frequent replacement, making them expensive over time.
- Dried Flowers: Are moderately priced and offer better value than fresh flowers, but their fragile nature can limit their lifespan.
- Preserved Flowers: Have a higher initial cost, but their incredible longevity makes them a very cost-effective choice for long-term home decor or as a lasting gift.
The Lifespan of Preserved Flowers
The main reason people choose preserved flowers is their impressive lifespan. No matter what type of flowers they are, preserving them well will keep them for a long time. Let’s look at what you can realistically expect and what affects how long they will look their best.
The Average Lifespan: A Realistic Expectation
On average, you can expect your preserved flowers to last between one and three years. When kept in a sealed container, such as a glass dome, they are protected from dust and humidity and can last even longer, sometimes for five years or more.
The preserved flowers lifespan in Singapore can be particularly challenging due to the climate. However, with the right care and placement, you can easily achieve a lifespan of several years, making them a beautiful fixture in your home.
Key Factors That Influence How Long Preserved Flowers Last
Several environmental factors can affect the longevity of your preserved arrangements. Being aware of these will help you keep them beautiful for as long as possible.
- Humidity: This is the most significant factor in Singapore. Preserved flowers can reabsorb moisture from the air. High humidity can make the petals feel damp, become translucent, or even encourage mould growth over time. It is best to keep them in a dry, well-ventilated space.
- Direct Sunlight: Just like many decorated items, direct exposure to sunlight will cause the colours of the flowers to fade. The UV rays can bleach the vibrant pigments over time, so it’s best to place them in a spot with indirect light.
- Physical Touch: The natural oils on our hands can damage the delicate petals. Frequent touching can cause them to become brittle or discoloured. It’s best to admire them with your eyes and handle them as little as possible.
- Type of Flower: Some flowers hold up better to the preservation process than others. Hardy flowers like preserved roses, hydrangeas, carnations, and eucalyptus tend to be very long-lasting. More delicate flowers may have a slightly shorter, though still impressive, lifespan.
- Quality of Preservation: The final lifespan is heavily dependent on the quality of the flowers and the preservation process used. Choosing arrangements from a reputable specialist like BearloonSG ensures that you receive high-quality flowers that have been expertly treated for maximum longevity.
Signs Your Preserved Flowers Are Nearing Their End
While they last a long time, preserved flowers will eventually show their age. Here are a few signs that your arrangement is nearing the end of its life:
- Significant Colour Fading: The colours become noticeably dull or washed out.
- Brittleness: The petals lose their softness and become dry and fragile to the touch.
- Spots or Mould: The appearance of dark spots or fuzzy mould, which can happen if they are exposed to too much moisture.
- Shedding: The arrangement starts to shed petals or leaves easily without being touched.
How to Care for Preserved Flowers to Maximise Their Lifespan
The best part about preserved flowers is how little care they need. Following these simple guidelines on how to care for preserved flowers will ensure they remain a stunning part of your decor for years.
Creating the Ideal Environment
Where you place your flowers is the most important part of their care.
- Control Humidity: Keep your arrangement in an air-conditioned room or a space with good air circulation. A dehumidifier can also be very helpful. Avoid placing them in naturally humid areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or near open windows, especially during rainy weather.
- Avoid Sunlight: Place them away from windows that get strong, direct sunlight. A spot in a well-lit room but out of the sun’s direct path is perfect.
- Maintain a Stable Temperature: A cool, dry room is the ideal location for your preserved flowers. Avoid placing them near heat sources like radiators or vents.
Proper Handling and Placement
A gentle touch and a safe spot go a long way.
- Do Not Water: This is the most important rule. Never put preserved flowers in water or spray them with water. Water will dissolve the preservation solution and ruin the flowers.
- Minimal Touching: Handle your arrangement as little as possible. When you need to move it, hold it by the base of the vase or container.
- Strategic Placement: Keep them in a location where they are unlikely to be knocked over or disturbed. A bookshelf, a display cabinet, or a mantelpiece are excellent choices. Enclosed glass domes are a fantastic option for both protection and elegant display.
A Guide to Cleaning Your Arrangement
Over time, your flowers may collect a bit of dust. Cleaning them is simple.
- Use a Soft Brush: Gently flick away dust with a soft, clean brush, such as a fluffy makeup brush or a small paintbrush.
- Use a Cool Hairdryer: For a quicker dusting, you can use a hairdryer on its coolest, lowest-power setting. Hold it at a distance of at least 20-30 cm and give the arrangement a gentle puff of air.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure a long and beautiful life for your flowers, avoid these common mistakes:
- Do not place them in water.
- Do not expose them to direct sunlight or high heat.
- Do not place them in areas with high humidity.
- Do not press, bend, or crush the petals or stems.
- Do not try to clean them with water, detergents, or chemical sprays.
- Do not place objects directly on top of the flowers.
Evaluating the Value of Preserved Flowers
With a higher initial price tag than fresh flowers, many wonder if they are a good investment. When you look at their longevity and low maintenance, the value becomes clear.
Are Preserved Flowers Worth It? A Cost Analysis
Let’s consider the cost over time. A nice bouquet of fresh flowers in Singapore can easily cost $50−100. If you replace it every two weeks, you could spend over $1,000 to $2,000 in a single year to have fresh flowers continuously.
In contrast, a beautiful preserved roses arrangement might cost between $100 and $300. If it lasts for three years, the cost per year is significantly lower. This makes preserved flowers a much more budget-friendly option for anyone who wants to enjoy floral beauty in their home year-round. They are a one-time purchase that delivers lasting joy.
When to Choose Preserved Flowers Over Fresh Bouquets
Preserved flowers are an excellent choice for many situations:
- Long-Lasting Home Decor: They are perfect for adding a permanent touch of elegance to your living room, bedroom, or office without the hassle of replacement.
- Meaningful Gifts: For anniversaries, birthdays, or any special occasions like Valentines day, they serve as a lasting keepsake that reminds the recipient of your thoughtful gesture for years.
- Allergy-Friendly: As they do not produce pollen, they are a wonderful gift for family members or friends who suffer from allergies.
- Low-Maintenance Option: For busy parents and professionals, they offer the beauty of nature without adding another task to the to-do list.
The Role of Preserved Flowers in Sustainable Gifting
For those who are environmentally conscious, preserved flowers are a more sustainable choice. The fresh flower industry has a significant environmental footprint due to water usage, refrigeration, and transportation. Because preserved flowers are not perishable, they reduce waste and have a lower long-term carbon footprint. Choosing a gift that lasts for years instead of days is a simple way to make a more sustainable choice.
Conclusion On The Longevity of Preserved Flowers
Preserved flowers offer a fantastic blend of natural beauty and remarkable longevity, typically lasting one to three years. They are a practical and elegant alternative to fresh bouquets, requiring minimal care—no water or sunlight needed.
Their lifespan is maximised by keeping them in a low-humidity environment away from direct light. By understanding these simple care requirements, you can enjoy their beauty for years. They are more than just a decoration; they represent a lasting sentiment and a smart, sustainable choice for any Singaporean home.
At BearloonSG, we believe every celebration deserves a touch of wonder that lasts. We are more than just a gift shop – we are experts in crafting beautiful moments that you can cherish long after the occasion has passed. Our stunning preserved flower arrangements are designed to offer years of joy with minimal effort.
Explore our collection and let us help you find the perfect, long-lasting gift that tells your story.
Still have questions about choosing the right preserved flowers?
Feel free to contact us. We’re happy to help you make a selection that brings lasting beauty to your home or a loved one’s.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Long Preserved Flowers Last
Do Preserved Flowers Last Forever?
No, they do not last forever, but they have a very long lifespan. “Forever flowers” or “eternal roses” are popular terms used to describe preserved flowers because they last for several years. With proper care, you can expect them to remain beautiful for one to three years, sometimes longer.
How Do You Keep Preserved Flowers From Moulding?
Mould is caused by moisture. To prevent it, you must keep your preserved flowers in a dry environment. In Singapore’s humid climate, this means placing them in an air-conditioned room or using a dehumidifier. Avoid humid spots like bathrooms and kitchens. Keeping them under a glass dome also provides excellent protection from airborne moisture.
Are Preserved Flowers a Waste of Money?
No, they are a very good investment when you consider their long-term value. While the initial purchase price is higher than fresh flowers, their lifespan of several years makes them much more cost-effective over time. They are a smart purchase for long-term home decor and a meaningful gift that will not be thrown away after a week.
Do Preserved Flowers Need Sunlight?
No, preserved flowers do not need sunlight. It is actually best to keep them out of direct sunlight. The ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun will cause the colours of the flowers to fade over time, shortening their vibrant lifespan. A bright room with indirect light is ideal.
Do Preserved Flowers Smell?
During the preservation process, flowers typically lose their natural scent. Most preserved flower arrangements are odourless. While some florists might add an artificial fragrance, naturally, they do not have a smell. This makes them a great option for people who are sensitive to strong floral scents.
Can You Put Preserved Flowers in Water?
Absolutely not. You should never put preserved flowers in water. Water will damage them by washing away the glycerin-based preservation solution that keeps them soft and beautiful. Contact with water can cause the petals to discolour, wilt, or even start to decay.