What does plant stabilization involve?

“Stabilized plants retain 70-90% of their appearance for 2-5 years.”

With the growing interest in durable and eco-friendly solutions in interior decoration, stabilized plants are becoming increasingly popular. This process involves replacing the plant’s natural sap with a special preserving solution, allowing them to maintain their natural look for an extended period.

Why are stabilized plants so important right now?

Modern society increasingly values sustainable and durable solutions in interior design. Preserved plants require neither watering nor access to light, making them an ideal choice for those seeking maintenance-free decorations. Additionally, they eliminate the problem of wasting cut flowers, which quickly wilt and end up as waste.

What does plant stabilization involve?

A brief historical overview

As early as in ancient Egypt, methods of preserving plants for decorative purposes were used. In the mid-20th century, scientists experimented with various stabilization techniques, which led to the development of the modern methods used today.

Market growth drivers

The global plant-based products market is experiencing dynamic growth. In Poland, the market value reached 1.08 billion PLN in 2023, with an annual increase of 19% over the past two years. This trend reflects the worldwide interest in plant-based and organic products.

What’s next?

In the following section, we will take a closer look at the chemistry behind the stabilization process. We will also discuss the benefits of using stabilized plants and provide practical tips for incorporating them into interior design. To understand how this is possible, let’s first explore the chemistry of the process…

The chemistry and biology of stabilization: step by step

Preserving the natural beauty of plants for many years is possible thanks to the stabilization process, which involves replacing the cell sap with glycerin. This process not only maintains the structure of the plants but also preserves their flexibility and aesthetic appearance. Below, we present a detailed, step-by-step description of the plant stabilization technique, as well as a discussion of the biological mechanisms behind this process.

Stages of the plant stabilization process

1. Choosing the right plants –  Harvest plants at their peak maturity, when they are most hydrated. Avoid young and delicate shoots. Opt for mature leaves and stems. For best results, stems should not exceed 45-60 cm in length.
2. Preparing the stabilizing solution –  Mix 20-30% glycerin with 70-80% water. Add 0.1-1% dyes to preserve or enhance the color of the plants. Add a preservative, such as sodium benzoate, to prevent the growth of microorganisms.
3. Preparing plants for stabilization –  Remove any lower leaves that could become submerged in the solution. Trim the ends of the stems at a 45° angle to increase the absorption area. For thicker stems, crush the bottom 2–4 cm with a hammer to facilitate solution uptake.
4. Stabilization process –  Place the prepared plants in the stabilizing solution for 3-14 days. Keep the ambient temperature between 20-25°C. Monitor the solution level and refill as needed to ensure the ends of the stems remain fully submerged.
5. Drying and setting –  After the stabilization process is complete, remove the plants from the solution and gently blot off any excess liquid. Hang the plants to dry in a room with humidity below 60% to prevent mold growth. Avoid direct sunlight, as it may affect the color of the plants.
6. Quality control –  Check if the plants are flexible and have a uniform color. Make sure there are no signs of mold or unpleasant odor. If necessary, gently wipe the leaves with a soft cloth to remove excess glycerin.

Technical tip

Biological stabilization mechanisms

Glycerin acts as a hygroscopic agent, replacing water in plant cells. This process stabilizes cell membranes, preventing their degradation, and locks in chlorophyll, allowing the leaves to retain their natural color. As a result, the plants remain flexible and visually appealing for a long time.

Now that we know how stabilized plants are made, let’s see where they are used…

From moss walls to cosmic botany: applications and benefits

Imagine a hotel reception area with walls covered in lush, green moss. This decorative feature not only catches the eye but also creates an atmosphere of tranquility and harmony. Stabilized plants like moss are widely used in various fields—from interior design and architecture to space research. Their practical applications bring measurable benefits to each of these industries.

Interior decoration and architecture

The introduction of stabilized plants into office and commercial spaces is becoming increasingly popular. Moss walls not only enhance the aesthetics of the interior, but also have a positive impact on employee well-being. Studies have shown that the presence of biophilic design elements, such as moss walls, can reduce employee stress levels by 15% and increase productivity by 15%.

Benefits in numbers:

• 15% reduction in stress levels.
• A 15% increase in productivity.
• Reducing noise in the room by 5 decibels.

Business use case examples

Companies such as Everlasting Flowers from Poland and Verdissimo from Spain specialize in producing preserved plants, offering products that retain their natural beauty for years. For example, Everlasting Flowers provides preserved roses used in hotel decorations, reducing the need for frequent flower replacement. As a result, hotels can cut flower waste by around 60%, leading to cost savings and environmental benefits.

Benefits by the numbers:

• 60% reduction in floral waste.
• Cost savings on purchasing and replacing fresh flowers.
• Long-lasting interior aesthetics.

Science and space research

The Biosphere 2 project Biosphere 2 is proof that it is possible to create closed ecosystems capable of functioning independently from external conditions. Such research is crucial for future space missions, where stabilized plants could play a key role in sustaining life aboard spacecraft or in colonies on other planets.

Benefits in numbers:

• The ability to create closed ecosystems for space missions.
• Reducing the need to transport fresh plants into space.
• Increasing the autonomy of long-term missions.

Table of applications and benefits

Did you know that…?

Stabilized plants are used in research on crop cultivation in space, which may contribute to the development of future missions to Mars.

Although the benefits of using stabilized plants are impressive, there are also questions and concerns regarding their environmental impact and the ethics of their production.

Shadows of the Green Trend: Challenges, Controversies, and Environmental Impact

In the face of rising carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in the atmosphere, farmers around the world are noticing changes in their crop yields. While higher CO₂ concentrations can lead to increased harvests, questions are emerging about the quality of these crops and their impact on human health and the environment.

The impact of elevated CO₂ on the nutritional value of plants

Studies have shown that elevated CO₂ concentrations can lead to yield increases of 30-50% at levels of 800 ppm. However, at the same time, a decrease in the nutritional value of these plants is observed, including a reduction in protein content by 10-20%. For example, in the case of wheat, elevated CO₂ levels can result in a 7.4% decrease in protein content, which has significant implications for global food security.

Additionally, research has shown that elevated CO₂ concentrations can lead to reduced levels of key minerals such as iron and zinc in staple crops like rice and wheat. This phenomenon may increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies in populations dependent on these crops.

Controversies surrounding chemical emissions and regulations

The debate over the use of synthetic versus biodegradable preservatives is intensifying. European Union regulations such as CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) govern the use of chemicals in agriculture. Their aim is to minimize the impact on the environment and human health. However, some skeptics question the effectiveness of these regulations, claiming they are a form of manipulation. As one user on platform X noted: “Is the CO₂ tax just another form of manipulation?”

Public debate on CO₂ policy

Many farmers and consumers are questioning the effectiveness of CO₂ emission policies. There are concerns about the actual impact of these regulations on food quality and their environmental consequences. Some experts emphasize the need for further research in this area to better understand the long-term effects of elevated CO₂ levels on agriculture and public health.

Against this backdrop, it becomes crucial to look to the future to understand how best to adapt agricultural practices and public policies to changing climate conditions and ensure food security for future generations.

How to harness the potential of preserved plants – what’s next?

Stabilized plants are an innovative solution that lets you enjoy the natural beauty of greenery for many years without the need for maintenance. Thanks to special preservation processes, these plants retain their appearance and structure, making them an attractive decorative element in various spaces.

Three key takeaways

1. Stabilized plants offer long-lasting beauty without the need for regular maintenance.
2. They are an eco-friendly alternative to fresh flowers, helping to reduce waste.
3. Their versatility makes them suitable for a variety of interior design styles.

Five practical steps to implementing stabilized plants

1. Choosing a supplier: Look for reputable companies specializing in preserved plants that offer high-quality products.
2. Choosing the right plants: Select species and arrangements that match the style and character of your interior.
3. Installation: Install the plants according to the manufacturer’s instructions, avoiding areas exposed to direct sunlight.
4. Humidity control: Keep the air humidity at 40-60% to ensure plant longevity.
5. Avoiding contact with water: Stabilized plants do not require watering; exposure to water may harm them.

What awaits us by 2030?

The stabilized plants market is expected to experience dynamic growth, reaching a value of USD 1 billion by 2030. Technological innovations such as AI-driven acoustic agriculture and biodegradable stabilizing solutions will revolutionize the industry, making it more sustainable and efficient.

Start today

We encourage you to try an experiment: over the next week, introduce one stabilized plant into your environment and discover its benefits for yourself.