Preparation of flower specimens (example)

Preparation method one:

First prepare a box and put a layer of desiccant (copper sulfate, general drug store) in the box , available in chemical reagent stores). Choose a sunny day, between 9 and 10 a.m., when the flowers are not covered with dew, cut the blooming flowers, place them in the prepared box, place them on the desiccant, and then carefully apply a small amount of desiccant slowly. Pour so that the desiccant fills every space between the petals. Note that the gaps between the petals of the original flower must be maintained to preserve the flower shape. This is a crucial step. Because some flowers, such as chrysanthemums, roses, azaleas, orchids, etc., have densely packed petals with very small gaps in each layer, it is really difficult to fill the desiccant without crushing the flower shape.

When the entire flower is completely surrounded by the desiccant, cover the box and seal it with a plastic bag and plastic tape. After a few days, you can take it out (the number of days to seal the box depends on the thickness of the flower petals). At this time, the flowers are dry, very brittle, and easily broken. Be very careful when taking them out. After taking them out, turn the flowers upside down so that The desiccant falls between the flowers. Completely remove the desiccant and the dried flower specimen is complete.

To prevent dried flower specimens from absorbing moisture, they must be placed in a box with desiccant and sealed.

Production method two:

1. Principle

Some reducing chemicals can inhibit various oxidative factors; thereby controlling the oxidative decomposition of plant pigments, Fixed pigment molecules.

2. Materials

Stannous chloride, copper sulfate, sodium borohydride, sulfurous acid, formalin (37% to 40%), distilled water, specimen bottles, paraffin , glycerin, fresh flowers, etc.

3. Preparation

1. Make a fixative solution in the proportion of 2g stannous chloride, 5g copper sulfate, 2g sodium borohydride, 5ml sulfurous acid and 95ml distilled water.

2. Pick fresh flowers, preferably those that have not yet fully bloomed. After pruning and finishing, immerse in the above fixative and soak for 12 to 24 hours.

3. Prepare a preservation solution by mixing 95 ml of distilled water, 5 ml of formalin, and 2 to 3 ml of sulfurous acid.

4. Take out the flowers treated with the fixative and immerse them in a specimen bottle filled with preservation solution. If the immersion liquid is insufficient, add it until the flowers are completely submerged. After leaving it for 2 to 3 days, if you find that there is color overflow, you can add some glycerin or sodium chloride; if you find that the color is too dark, you can add some distilled water. This can maintain the balance of internal and external osmotic pressure between the flower and the infusion, and avoid flower deformation and discoloration. If there is no above phenomenon, it can be capped and sealed with paraffin wax.

Using the above method, you can basically maintain the bright colors of flowers and the green of branches and leaves at the same time; and they can be maintained for a long time. The prepared specimens can be used not only for observation and teaching needs, but also for display and appreciation.