What Happens to Our Leftover Flowers?
Every so often, we get this wonderful question from our customers: Do you have a lot of leftover flowers? What happens to The Bali Florist’s organic waste?
Here’s how we handle it: First, when planning for the week ahead, we carefully estimate our supply needs based on projected orders to minimize overstock. Secondly, we’re committed to sustainability, so we make it a daily practice to separate our organic and non-organic waste.
For flowers and foliage that can no longer be sold but are still suitable for drying—like roses and certain imported foliage—we give them a second life through our in-house drying process. The rest of the organic waste is placed in our self-composting bin, where it returns to the earth as compost, completing its natural cycle.
Why and How Do We Preserve and Dry Roses?
Many of you may want to preserve roses as a keepsake from a special moment—whether it’s a wedding bouquet, a birthday arrangement, or a single rose gifted with love.
At The Bali Florist, we’ve honed our technique of naturally drying leftover roses and other types of flowers and foliage without using any chemicals. Through an organic air-drying process, we’re able to maintain the beauty of these flowers in a sustainable way.
For the best results, we recommend starting with fresh, vibrant roses that have not yet begun to brown, wilt, or dry. The air-drying method is not only the most straightforward but also the most cost-effective way to preserve your flowers, allowing you to cherish their beauty for longer.
Steps to Air-Dry Your Roses
Air-drying roses is a beautiful, natural way to preserve memories. Here’s how to do it step by step:
Choose the Right SpaceFind an area that is dry, well-ventilated, and gets some sunlight. A room with a constant flow of cool air is ideal—such as a partly air-conditioned space in tropical areas. Avoid dark or humid spaces, as these can cause the flowers to mold or rot. Secure a hook, rack, or hanger (like a towel or key hanger) where you can suspend the roses.
Select the Best RosesPick roses that are just starting to wilt, but where the rosebuds are still upright and vibrant. If the petals are drooping or discolored, they may not dry well. In tropical climates like Bali (with temperatures of 25-27°C or 77-81°F), roses will typically wilt after about three days. In drier, more temperate climates, they might last longer—up to a week or even two for higher-quality roses.
Prepare the RosesStrip off most or all of the leaves to focus the drying process on the petals. Gather the stems into a bunch and tie them together with a string or rubber band at the base of the stems.
Hang the Roses Upside DownHang the tied bunch upside down from the hook or hanger in your chosen space. Leave the roses undisturbed for at least two weeks. Avoid moving them during this time, as it helps keep the petals intact while they dry and set.
Check After Two to Three WeeksBy the third week, your roses should be fully dried and ready to use. Keep in mind that since no preservatives or chemicals are used, some outer petals may naturally fall off. This is why it’s best to start drying the roses just before they wilt to reduce petal loss or deformity.
Handle Any IssuesOccasionally, some rosebuds may not dry properly and may start to rot due to moisture. Simply discard these in your compost bin, as they won’t dry well.
By following these steps, you can naturally preserve your roses and enjoy their beauty long after their fresh bloom has passed.
Top 10 Ways to Use Dried Flowers and Foliage
Once your roses and other flowers or foliage are dried, there are endless creative possibilities to enjoy their beauty. Here are our top 10 favorite uses for dried flowers—in gifts, home decor, cooking, and even body care.
Dried Flower BouquetDried flowers offer subtle colors and rich textures, making them perfect for arranging into a beautiful bouquet. Wrapped elegantly, they make a thoughtful and long-lasting gift for a loved one.
Dried Flower DisplaysCreate stunning centerpieces or mini displays by arranging dried flowers in vessels such as vases, bottles, or jars. These displays work wonderfully for your home, office, cafe, or as table decorations for events.
GiftingAdd a touch of charm to your presents by tucking sprigs of dried flowers into bows or scattering petals inside gift cards. They add an extra layer of thoughtfulness and beauty to any package.
CelebrationsUse dried flowers as the focal point for centerpieces at intimate gatherings. Their rustic, timeless beauty will elevate the decor, and unlike fresh flowers, they’ll last long after the celebration is over.
WreathsDried flowers and foliage make for beautiful, rustic wreaths, especially during festive periods. In tropical climates like Bali, where fresh wreaths don’t last long, dried wreaths are a perfect solution for year-end decor.
Potpourri & SachetsCombine a mix of dried flowers for colorful and fragrant potpourri. To extend the scent, add a fixative like orris root and enhance it with essential oils. You can also create aromatic sachets to place in drawers and closets—just make sure to avoid humid areas to prevent any musty odors.
CookingSome bakers get creative by using edible dried flowers in cakes, desserts, and cocktails. You can also try using dried flowers like chamomile or rosella for homemade teas or tea blends. Just be mindful of older dried ingredients that may have absorbed moisture in tropical climates.
CleaningDried flowers can be added to homemade cleaning products, pairing especially well with fresh, citrusy, or minty scents. They add a delicate fragrance that makes cleaning a bit more enjoyable.
Candle MakingWhether you're a seasoned candlemaker or just starting out, you can easily incorporate dried flowers into your candles. Add them to your wax molds or press dried petals onto the surface of plain candles to create unique, decorative pieces.
Herbal BathingEnhance your bathing experience by adding dried flowers directly into your bathwater. You can also prepare an herbal infusion with dried flowers and pour it into your bath for a relaxing, aromatic soak.
Which Flowers and Foliage Are Suitable for Organic Drying?
In Bali’s humid, tropical climate, we’ve found that several locally grown and imported flowers dry beautifully. At The Bali Florist, these are our top 10 flowers and foliage that dry well:
Roses – Both local and imported varieties
Limonium Caspia – Imported only
Statice – Imported only
Gypsophilas (Baby’s Breath) – Imported only
Lavender – Imported only
Pine Leaves and Cones
Acacia Leaves
Sunflowers
Eucalyptus Leaves – Various types, both local and imported
Gomphrenas – Locally grown and known as "Bunga Ratna"
These blooms and foliage hold up well in the drying process, allowing you to experiment with preserving your favorites organically. Happy drying!
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