Can you press or dry orchids for wall display?

[Matt]

Actually, I have pressed and dried my old flowers. I used layers of styrofoam with holes in it to keep their 3d shape. Ive got them hanging on the wall in a picture frame, and I have maybe, 15 more still in styrofoam waiting to do something with. Ill take some pics and post them up for you.

[quietmorning]

Originally Posted by Matt

Actually, I have pressed and dried my old flowers. I used layers of styrofoam with holes in it to keep their 3d shape. Ive got them hanging on the wall in a picture frame, and I have maybe, 15 more still in styrofoam waiting to do something with. Ill take some pics and post them up for you.

That would be great, Matt!! Thanks!

[quietmorning]

Originally Posted by Weed Girl

I bought the large press and a large and small 'glue' and with shipping etc. it was about $80.00. there are some articles online that will tell you how to make your own press, but I loved getting what I knew would work.

Looks like I'm goin' shoppin'. **grins**

Thanks, WeedGirl

[Matt]

No Problem. BTW, Ive only done this with Phal flowers. I tried with some dendro flowers but they shriveled up to much.. after my Adm frenchtown is done blooming, Ill try that too. White flowers suck, as they become clear really really thin.

[Matt]

and my method, while crude, was free. styrofoam, paper towel, and masking tape. toss some siclia gel packs( from new shoes and such) for good measure.

[quietmorning]

Originally Posted by Matt

and my method, while crude, was free. styrofoam, paper towel, and masking tape. toss some siclia gel packs( from new shoes and such) for good measure.

thanks! This will definitely give it a try!

[quietmorning]

Originally Posted by Matt

No Problem. BTW, Ive only done this with Phal flowers. I tried with some dendro flowers but they shriveled up to much.. after my Adm frenchtown is done blooming, Ill try that too. White flowers suck, as they become clear really really thin.

Ah, that's a shame that white flowers won't dry well. I was afraid of that with dendro flowers - but am relieved that phals will do well. Thanks for the heads up!

[Weed Girl]

because there is no cost beyond the initial investment, I have dried all kinds of orchids. the majority are spectacular, some are duds, and ocassionally you may burn one. try everything - thick can be hard to work with, so have a razor blade handy to slice......

[theroc1217]

Originally Posted by Matt

Actually, I have pressed and dried my old flowers. I used layers of styrofoam with holes in it to keep their 3d shape. Ive got them hanging on the wall in a picture frame, and I have maybe, 15 more still in styrofoam waiting to do something with. Ill take some pics and post them up for you.

Did you ever get a chance to put up those pictures?

[cbuchman]

I remember using silica beads to dry in 3D as a kid. Does they still exist. It was blue beads in a can and you buried the flower in the beads for a period of time. The beads started to turn pink when they got too much moisture in them and you put them in the oven to dry them out again. Does this even exist any more or am I dating my self?