Chumasande MatiwaneWhen you near the end of the growing season, it is time to dry or preserve your eucalyptus. As these are annual plants, the easiest thing you can do would be to cut the eucalyptus branches down and preserve them for winter use. So if you want to learn how to dry eucalyptus naturally, you will be amazed at how easy it is to do so.
How to dry eucalyptus
Drying eucalyptus plants is not a difficult task. There are several methods you can use to achieve this, ensuring airflow between the stems as they dry.
Air drying
Air-drying eucalyptus is a simple method for preparing it for various uses. You can utilise it for potpourri, floral arrangements, bath salts, or as a decorative touch in your home. To air-dry eucalyptus, you only need some twine and a space with low to average humidity. Just cut a few branches and strip a few leaves off the very bottom. Then tie together at the base. Hang to dry just as you would when drying herbs. Don’t bunch too much together, as this will impede air circulation.
Image Credit: Pexels
Pros & cons of air drying
One significant advantage of the air-drying method is that you don’t need to purchase anything. You likely have everything you need at home. Air is readily available, and you can use any type of string. Even a rubber band can work well.
But there are cons to this air-drying method. The leaves will wrinkle as they dry and will not retain their original colour. Because of that, this method is probably best for something like potpourri.
Preserving using glycerin
Another simple way to keep enjoying your eucalyptus is to preserve it in a glycerin solution. Glycerin is a useful DIY preserving method. Start by making a glycerin mixture. Simply mix glycerin and hot water in a clear mason jar so you can monitor the evaporation. Before you add your branches, make sure you strip the leaves from the very bottom. Mash the ends of the stems. This will open them up a bit and help them absorb more of the glycerin mixture, leading to more thorough drying. Monitor how the branches do over a few days. You may need to add more glycerin to the solution if needed.
Image Credit: Pexels
Pros & cons of glycerin
Using glycerin allows leaves to retain more of their colour, although some change occurs. The leaves also remain pliable and are not brittle. This allows the method to be the best option if you want to use your eucalyptus branches in a craft or floral arrangement.
A con of preserving using glycerin is that, unlike air, you have to buy the glycerin. Although this is an easy process, it takes a bit longer, given that glycerin allows the leaves to retain pliability.
ALSO SEE:
Feature Image: Pexels
