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How does silica gel help preserve individual flower heads?
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Floral decoration
An eternal bouquet for the dead, limestone relief from Egypt, 4th century bce; in the Brooklyn Museum, New York.
In the context of floral decoration, silica gel is used to preserve individual flower heads due to its highly effective ability to absorb moisture.12
To use this method, the silica gel is gently brushed between and over every petal of the flower. This process draws out the moisture from the plant material, allowing the flower to dry while maintaining its form. Because this technique is specifically designed for the flower heads and does not preserve the stems, the heads must be wired before they can be incorporated into a floral arrangement.2