If you’ve recently fallen in love with the charm of sola wood flowers, you’re not alone. These handcrafted blossoms look delicate, but they’re surprisingly durable. Whether you’re saving wood flowers from your wedding or stocking up for future crafts, knowing how to store them properly is key.
So, how do you keep your sola flowers safe, fresh-looking, and ready to impress for years? Let’s break it down in simple steps.
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What Are Sola Wood Flowers, Anyway?
Before diving into storage tips, let’s quickly touch on what makes these flowers special. Sola wood flowers are handcrafted from the soft, spongy wood of the Aeschynomene aspera plant. Yes—they’re made entirely from wood but they’re incredibly lightweight and soft to the touch.
They’re a popular choice for weddings, home decor, and DIY projects because:
- They never wilt.
- They’re eco-friendly.
- You can dye them any color.
- They’re reusable and long-lasting if cared for well.
Since they can last a lifetime, it only makes sense to learn how to store them the right way.
Why Proper Storage Matters
At first glance, sola flowers seem pretty hardy. But they can be sensitive to moisture, heat, and sunlight. If you toss them in a box in your garage and forget about them, they could turn yellow, warp, or even grow mold. Yikes!
That’s why taking just a bit of time to store them correctly can make all the difference in how long they stay looking their best.
Step-by-Step: How to Store Sola Wood Flowers
Let’s walk through exactly how to store these beautiful blooms so you can enjoy them for years to come.
1. Let Them Fully Dry First
If you’ve just dyed or steamed your wood flowers to reshape them, be patient! Make sure they’re completely dry before you store them. Storing damp flowers is a recipe for mold growth—and that’s hard (if not impossible) to fix.
Tip: Let them air dry in a well-ventilated area for 24–48 hours before storing.
2. Pick the Right Storage Container
Don’t just shove your flowers into any old box. You want a container that keeps out dust but still allows some air flow.
Good options include:
- Cardboard boxes: They let air in and out, preventing moisture buildup.
- Plastic bins with ventilation holes: Great if you live in a humid place.
Avoid fully sealed plastic containers unless you’re sure the flowers are 100% dry. Trapped moisture = mold.
3. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Heat and humidity are definitely not sola flower-friendly.
Aim for a spot that stays:
- Cool (room temperature or lower)
- Dry (avoid damp basements or laundry rooms)
- Shaded (sunlight can cause discoloration)
A closet, linen shelf, or covered storage bin in a climate-controlled room works great.
4. Avoid Crushing
Sola wood flowers may be tough, but they’re not invincible. If you stack things on top of them, they can get flattened or misshapen.
Leave space for the flowers to breathe. If you need to stack different layers, try laying tissue paper in between.
5. Label and Organize
Got different colors or flower types? Label your boxes or bins to make future projects easier. Trust me, this small step saves you hours of digging later.
Use clear plastic bins if you’re someone who likes to see everything at a glance!
Bonus Tips for Long-Term Sola Wood Flower Storage
Here are a few extra tips from fellow sola flower lovers:
- Add sachets or silica gel packs to absorb excess moisture.
- Avoid strong fragrances in storage areas (like near cleaning supplies) since wood can absorb odors.
- If you’re moving or traveling with them, pack them snugly so they don’t jostle around.
Also, if you plan to store dyed flowers for a long time, test the colors first. Some dyes may fade with time, especially if exposed to light. Trying out a small batch can help you plan ahead.
What If My Flowers Get Damaged?
It happens. Maybe a pet got into your stash or an unexpected leak caused some issues. The good news? Some minor damage can be fixed.
If a flower gets smushed, try gently steaming it and reshaping it with your fingers. If there’s slight discoloration, you can often repaint or redye it.
But if there’s mold or a bad odor… it’s best to toss and replace it.
Personal Tip: My Sola Flower Storage Setup
Personally, I use a set of shallow clear plastic bins—each with dividers I made from cardboard. I group similar color families together (pinks, neutrals, blues) and tuck a piece of paper towel at the bottom of each section just in case any moisture sneaks in.
So far? My oldest sola flowers are over 5 years old and still look brand new!
Why It’s Worth the Effort
Sure, it might take a few minutes to set up a proper storage system. But the payoff is huge. With the right storage, your sola wood flowers can stay beautiful and bright for years—ready for your next event, DIY project, or craft night.
Plus, it feels good knowing you’re preserving something handmade and eco-friendly.
Wrap-Up: The Do’s and Don’ts of Sola Flower Storage
Let’s finish with a quick checklist:
Do:
- Let flowers dry thoroughly before storing.
- Use breathable containers like cardboard or ventilated bins.
- Store in a cool, dry, dark place.
- Keep them uncrushed and separated by tissue if needed.
Don’t:
- Store damp flowers (hello mold!).
- Use airtight plastic bins without ventilation.
- Keep them in humid spots like bathrooms or laundry rooms.
- Expose them to sunlight for long periods.
Love Your Flowers, and They’ll Love You Back
Sola wood flowers are more than just decor—they’re pieces of art. With the right care and thoughtful storage, they’ll stay just as stunning as the day you got them.
So go ahead and give your sola wood flower collection the care it deserves. Got any other tips for storing your blooms? Share them in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
