How to Dry or Preserve Eucalyptus for Decor

1. Select a Container

   Select a jar or vase that's tall enough to hold your eucalyptus without it falling over. You'll want to make sure that the bottom of the eucalyptus stem touches the bottom of the container when you put it in. This will make sure that it will soak up all of the solution that we're about to make.

2. Trim the Eucalyptus

   Cut the eucalyptus branches to the length that you want your dried eucalyptus to be. Also, take this time to remove any brown leaves or stems from the branches.

3. Smash the Eucalyptus Stems

   Take your hammer and smash the bottom inch of the eucalyptus stem. This will allow the mixture that will dry them to more fully soak into the plant.

4. Boil the Vegetable Glycerin

   In a small cooking pot, combine two parts water to one part vegetable glycerin. Bring this solution to a boil, stirring with a spoon until the glycerin has fully dissolved into the water. The amount of solution you’ll want to make will depend on the size of your container. You want to make sure that you make enough so that the ends of the stems will fully be the solution. We used two cups of water and one cup of vegetable glycerin for the chosen container.

5. Pour the Vegetable Glycerin Solution into the Container

   Carefully pour the vegetable glycerin and water solution into your chosen container. Allow it to cool for a few minutes in the container so that it’s cool to the touch.

6. Add the Eucalyptus

   Put in the eucalyptus stems into the solution, making sure that each of the ends is being submerged into the vegetable glycerin and water mixture by about two to three inches. Don’t worry about the tops of the stems drooping down, this is the natural shape of eucalyptus and it will look natural once it’s dried.

7. Allow the Eucalyptus to Dry

   Store the eucalyptus in a dark, cool, dry spot to let it preserve. Make sure that it's not in direct sunlight. The eucalyptus will take two to six weeks to fully dry.

   You'll want to check on your eucalyptus every few days. You may find that it has soaked up all the liquid in the container. If this happens, repeat the instructions above to make more of the solution and add it to your container. If the liquid has turned brown and is looking slimy, you'll want to make more of the solution and replace the liquid.

   When the eucalyptus is dry, you'll see it turn from green to dark purple or even silver. The leaves will be smooth and soft and it will be drier than the fresh eucalyptus that you started with.

8. Remove the Eucalyptus

   Once you’re happy with how dry your eucalyptus has gotten, it’s time to remove it from the vase. Remove the branches and pat dry with a paper towel. You can allow them to air dry for a couple of days or you can use them right away in your next project.

Alternative Method

You can also air dry eucalyptus without using the vegetable glycerin. Simply trim up your branches and tie the bottom of the bunch together with string. Hang them upside down in a cool, dark, and dry place while they preserve. This will take six to 12 weeks if you use this method. The eucalyptus will dry similarly to the method above but will be straighter in length since you are hanging it upside down.