Buzz
Eucalyptus is a fragrant plant commonly preserved for use in floral arrangements, wreath making, and decoration. After harvesting the eucalyptus branches you want to preserve, place them in a mixture of vegetable glycerin and water. Let the leaves soak in the solution for a few weeks, then remove them and hang them to dry. Once the eucalyptus branches are dry, they are ready for use.
Steps
Cut the eucalyptus branches
Harvest the healthiest eucalyptus branches. To ensure you're preserving the best eucalyptus branches, it’s best to harvest them when they are in their prime. This will save time and effort when it comes to trimming the plant later on.
- There are over 700 species of eucalyptus, both woody and herbaceous, so it may be difficult to determine what the healthiest branches look like. A general description of the plant in its prime condition is not always possible.
- For example, the species E. dundasii has glossy leaves from young to mature. Another species, E. caesia, has glossy leaves only when young.
- Identify the species of eucalyptus you want to preserve and compare it with a plant guide to see what the plant looks like when it is in its best condition. Use your judgment and consider your needs when deciding the best time to harvest.
Don't harvest eucalyptus when the plant is wet. Avoid harvesting after rain or early in the morning when dew is still on the leaves. If possible, wait for several dry days before harvesting.
- Harvesting wet eucalyptus leaves can promote mold growth and make it harder for the plant to absorb glycerin, a preservative you'll later use.
Don't harvest damaged plants. Avoid eucalyptus plants with brown or wilting flowers. Healthy eucalyptus flowers are typically white, pink, or red. Healthy eucalyptus leaves will not have holes and will be a consistent green color.
Prepare the eucalyptus branches
Prepare the preservation solution. To preserve the eucalyptus branches, mix one part glycerin with two parts water. Heat the mixture until it boils or nearly boils.
- Glycerin is available at craft stores or large department stores.
Submerge the eucalyptus in the preservation solution. Once the glycerin and water mixture is ready, pour it into a wide, sturdy container. Place the eucalyptus branches into the container, with the cut ends submerged. The solution should cover about 8 cm of the branches.
- To help the branches absorb the solution faster, split the ends of the branches slightly or gently tap them with a hammer.
Keep the eucalyptus branches in a cool environment. Place the container with the eucalyptus branches in an area with relative humidity and a temperature between 16-24°C. Avoid placing the branches in direct sunlight while they are absorbing the preservation solution.
- Add more solution if necessary, as it will gradually evaporate over time.
Complete the preservation process
Wait for the eucalyptus to fully absorb the solution. Typically, the branches will need to be submerged in the preservation solution for about 4 weeks. However, the exact time for the eucalyptus branches to fully absorb the glycerin ranges from 3-6 weeks, depending on the size of the branches.
- Larger branches will take longer to absorb the glycerin compared to smaller ones.
Watch for dark or yellowing leaves. Once the eucalyptus branches are placed in the right position, they need time to absorb the solution. After the right soaking time, the leaves will turn black or yellow, depending on the species. Once all the leaves have changed color, you can remove them from the solution.
- Depending on the species, some eucalyptus may not turn black or yellow. You'll need to test to see how long it takes for the leaves to fully absorb the solution.
Remove the eucalyptus branches from the container. Cut the branches at the point where the solution has reached. Dry off any remaining solution that may still be on the branches.
- If you plan to preserve more eucalyptus or other plants soon, you can store the preservation solution in the refrigerator for reuse. Otherwise, discard the solution.
Dry the eucalyptus branches. Lay the eucalyptus branches in a sunny, warm, dry, and well-ventilated area. After 3-5 days, you can hang the branches upside down in a dark, warm, and dry room. After 2-3 weeks, they will be ready for use.
- If you don't plan to use the eucalyptus right away, store it in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Advice
- To clean preserved eucalyptus leaves, simply take them outside and gently spray them with water. Hang the branches upside down to dry, and remove them once they are dry.
- Preserved eucalyptus branches will last the longest when kept in a cool, dry environment.
- Use preserved eucalyptus leaves for making wreaths, flower arrangements, or crafts. You can also place eucalyptus branches in a vase to decorate your home.
