Friday, February 7, 2025

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Once seen as an old-fashioned décor choice, dried flowers have made a stunning comeback, capturing the attention of designers, homemakers and event planners as well. The Pioneer connects with a city expert, Dr Mahalaxmi Reddy, who discusses how these long-lasting blooms have become a popular alternative to fresh flowers, offering eco-friendly appeal, affordability and versatility

Vaishnavi Tikka

Dried flowers are making a grand comeback, blending old-world charm with contemporary aesthetics. Their eco-friendly nature and long-lasting appeal have captured the hearts of many, offering a sustainable alternative to fresh flowers. Whether used for home décor, gifting or special events, dried flowers bring a unique touch of colour, texture and warmth to any space. Thanks to social media, their versatility and beauty are now celebrated worldwide, inspiring people to explore creative ways to incorporate them into their lives.
In an exclusive conversation with The Pioneer, Dr Mahalaxmi Reddy, an entrepreneur and retired faculty member in agricultural research, shared her insights on the rising trend of dried flowers and her accidental journey into entrepreneurship post-retirement. A former research scientist specializing in preserving eternal flowers, Dr Reddy provided fascinating details about the art and science of drying flowers, their growing popularity and the role of social media in reviving their appeal.
Dried flowers through the ages
Describing the historical use of dried flowers, Dr Reddy said, “Dried flowers have been used for centuries. They are particularly popular in countries like Japan and Europe, where the market for them is thriving.” She emphasised that fresh flowers, though beautiful, are expensive and require careful maintenance, making dried flowers a more practical choice.
She explained that dried flowers can be preserved through special treatment, extending their usability and appeal. “Flowers can be treated to ensure they last much longer. This makes them an excellent option for those looking to add timeless beauty to their spaces.”
Social media and the rising trend
Dr  Reddy revealed that dried flowers have gained significant popularity in recent years, largely due to the influence of social media. “Social media has played a major role in making dried flowers trendy. People now see them as a stylish and aesthetic addition to interior spaces,” she said. Platforms like Instagram have showcased innovative ways to use dried flowers, making them accessible and appealing to a broader audience.
She added, “People are less aware of how to use these flowers in different ways.”
The beauty and adaptability of dried flowers
Dr Reddy explained why dried flowers are a preferred choice for décor. “Flowers are an eco-friendly resource that bloom and wither naturally. They add a soft touch of colour and texture to interiors, which is hard to achieve through other mediums.”
She highlighted the visual appeal of dried flowers, saying, “Dried flowers enhance beauty through either natural dehydration or artificial methods. They are easy to handle with and retain their charm for a long time.”
The art of freeze drying
One of the most innovative techniques Dr Reddy discussed was freeze-drying, a process that preserves flowers in their original form. She elaborated, “Freeze drying retains the natural quality of flowers, making them eternal. This method is especially useful for preserving flowers gifted as gestures of love or significant emotions.”
Explaining the process, she said, “Moisture is removed from the flowers to retain their cell structure and they are processed in a floral freeze-dryer. While the fragrance may be lost, the appearance remains almost identical to fresh flowers.”
A passion for experimentation
Dr Reddy also shared her personal passion for experimenting with dried flowers. “I try to dry every flower, especially exotic ones and preserve them in materials like aluminum. Each flower has its own unique beauty and I enjoy exploring different preservation techniques.”
She emphasised that naturally dried flowers remain the most popular option among enthusiasts due to their simplicity and timeless appeal.
A growing trend

Thanks to the creative presentations on the social media, dried flowers have reached a wider audience and become a trend. Dr Reddy concluded by expressing her optimism about their future, saying, “Dried flowers have endless possibilities and social media continues to inspire more people to appreciate and explore their beauty.”

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