Why Are My Pressed Flowers Turning Brown?
You carefully arrange your flowers in a press, leave them to dry, then open it a few weeks later only to find that the bright petals have turned brown. It is a common problem when pressing flowers, but there are several things you can do to reduce colour loss and get better results.
Quick Answer
Pressed flowers usually turn brown because they contain too much moisture or are drying too slowly. Flowers picked when damp, thick or fleshy flowers, insufficient absorbent paper and poor airflow can all slow the drying process. Some flowers also naturally lose or change colour as they dry.
Why Do Pressed Flowers Turn Brown?
Pressing removes moisture from a flower while preserving its shape. The aim is to remove that moisture as efficiently as possible. The longer moisture remains trapped in the petals and leaves, the greater the chance of browning, discolouration or mould.
The Flowers Were Damp
Flowers picked after rain, watering or when covered in morning dew contain additional surface moisture. This makes them much harder to dry quickly.
The Flower Is Too Thick
Thick, fleshy flowers naturally contain more moisture than thin petals. Dense flower heads can therefore take much longer to dry.
They Are Drying Too Slowly
If moisture cannot escape into the surrounding absorbent material, the flower remains damp for longer and is more likely to discolour.
Natural Colour Change
Not every flower keeps its original colour when dried. Some varieties naturally become darker or more muted during pressing even when they have been pressed correctly.
How to Stop Pressed Flowers Turning Brown
1. Choose Fresh Flowers
Start with flowers that are fresh and in good condition. Flowers that are already wilting, bruised or beginning to deteriorate are unlikely to improve once pressed.
2. Make Sure the Flowers Are Dry
Avoid picking flowers immediately after rain or watering. If there is any moisture on the petals or leaves, allow them to dry before placing them in the press.
3. Press Flowers as Soon as Possible
Once picked, flowers begin to wilt. For the best chance of retaining their shape and colour, prepare and press them while they are still fresh.
4. Consider the Thickness of the Flower
Thin flowers and individual petals generally press more easily than thick, fleshy flowers. For bulky flowers, consider separating petals or reducing some of the thicker material before pressing.
5. Use Absorbent Pressing Paper
The material surrounding the flowers needs to draw moisture away from them. Arrange the flowers so they are not overlapping and place them between clean, dry, absorbent sheets.
6. Check Very Moist Flowers
Flowers containing a lot of moisture may benefit from having their pressing paper checked during the early stages. If the paper has become noticeably damp, carefully replacing it with dry paper can help the flowers continue drying.
7. Give Them Enough Time
Resist the temptation to remove flowers too early. Drying time varies according to the type and thickness of the flower, as well as the conditions in which the press is stored.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't press wet flowers. Surface moisture makes drying more difficult and increases the risk of mould and discolouration.
Don't overcrowd the press. Flowers should sit separately rather than overlapping one another.
Don't use damp pressing material. Once the surrounding paper has absorbed a large amount of moisture, it becomes less effective at drawing out more.
Don't expect every flower to stay exactly the same colour. Pressing preserves flowers, but it does not completely stop the natural changes that occur as plant material dries.
Don't store the press somewhere damp. A dry environment will help moisture escape from the flowers and pressing materials.
Pressed Flower Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | What to Try |
|---|---|---|
| Flowers turn brown | Too much moisture or slow drying | Use dry flowers and absorbent pressing material |
| Flowers develop mould | Moisture has remained trapped | Start with dry flowers and check damp pressing paper, changing the paper if needed |
| Petals become very dark | Natural colour change or slow drying | Try fresher flowers and thinner specimens |
| Flowers are still soft | They still contain moisture | Return them to the press and allow more drying time |
| Flowers stick to the paper | Flowers were very moist or removed before fully dry | Allow them to dry fully before carefully removing them |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have my pressed flowers gone mouldy?
Mould usually indicates that too much moisture remained in the flower while it was being pressed. This can happen with damp flowers, thick specimens or pressing materials that have become saturated with moisture.
How long should flowers stay in a flower press?
There is no single drying time for every flower. Small, thin flowers can dry considerably faster than thick or fleshy specimens. Rather than relying only on a fixed number of days, check that the flower feels completely dry and papery before removing it permanently from the press.
Should I change the paper in my flower press?
It is not always necessary. However, particularly moist flowers can make the surrounding paper damp. Carefully replacing noticeably damp sheets with clean, dry ones can help continue the drying process.
Why do some pressed flowers keep their colour better than others?
Different flowers contain different pigments, structures and amounts of moisture. This means some naturally retain their colour particularly well while others fade, darken or change shade as they dry.
Can I press flowers that have already started to wilt?
You can, but the finished result may not be as good. For the best shape and colour, press flowers while they are fresh and before the petals begin to deteriorate.
Can I fix pressed flowers that have already turned brown?
Once the natural colour has changed during drying, pressing cannot restore it. Brown and faded flowers can still be attractive in botanical crafts, but if the original colour is important it is usually better to press a fresh specimen and adjust the drying method.
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