Since some time, using preserved flowers and foliages in a floral bouquet, on green walls or in home decor pieces has become common practice in the floral business. Preserved tree fern – also called tiki fern or asparagus virgatus – is a popular foliage amongst florists and floral designers because it can be used in a wide range of designs.

Why do you need to buy preserved tree fern and why is using some bunches of preserved tree fern a perfect choice for your preserved flowers or dried flowers arrangements?

Here is everything you need to know about our preserved tree fern, also known as tiki fern or asparagus virgatus.

Understanding preserved tree fern

Definition and characteristics

Asparagus virgatus, commonly referred to as tree fern or tiki fern, is a bushy plant, distinguished by its green colour and tiny, soft thread-like leaves. Native to the shaded forests of Southeastern Africa, this fern thrives in cool, damp environments, creating lush, green undergrowth that is both striking and serene.

Preserved tree fern is a natural product that has been treated with a glycerine-based solution to last more than a year, and even several years, if kept indoors, out of direct sunlight and humidity. Unlike artificial or dried flowers, preserved tree fern maintains the texture and appearance of a fresh fern, without the need of water or maintenance.

How are they sourced and preserved

Prior to the preservation process, we carefully select the best and most beautiful fern stems and put them in bunches. Once harvested, the bunches of ferns are treated with a preservation technique, whereby the natural saps of the stems are replaced with a glycerine-based solution.

This process ensures that the preserved tree fern – or tiki fern -, retains its quality, natural suppleness, beauty and texture after being treated, offering a maintenance-free alternative to fresh foliage. We produce them in their natural green colour, as well as in yellow, red and black.

Our tree fern stems will now last for many months or longer without water, light or care. They are packed in bunches of 100g, with a length of approximately 60cm.

Uses and benefits in floral arrangements

Versatility in various arrangements and designs

Thanks to their versatility, tree ferns can be used in a wide range of floral designs, in combination with other fillers, flowers, reindeer moss, or other types of moss.

The delicate texture of their fronds allow preserved tiki ferns to be seamlessly incorporated in floral bouquets, centre pieces and wreaths, adding a touch of elegance to the designs.

Their airy texture adds a sophisticated touch to wedding bouquets, while their lush greenery makes them a very popular foliage among designers of green frames and green walls. A bunch of preserved tree fern enhances the depth and dimension of the designs and offer an enduring and maintenance-free aesthetic.

Environmental and economical benefits

The biggest advantage of preserved tree fern stems is without any doubt the fact that they are long-lasting. Like any preserved flowers, and unlike fresh flowers and foliage, preserved tree fern stems don’t wilt after a week, but maintain their natural beauty and texture for more than a year without water or light.

Thanks to their long-lasting nature, preserved tree fern stems don’t need to be replaced very frequently, thus reducing waste. Additionally, our preservation process consumes fewer resources than growing, harvesting, and transporting fresh flowers, making it a more eco-friendly option.

For consumers, it’s more cost-effective to buy a bunch of preserved flowers rather than fresh foliage. They are a long-term investment for businesses, such as hotels, restaurants and offices, looking to maintain an appealing green aesthetic without ongoing maintenance costs.

Furthermore, the demand for a natural product, that is sustainable and low-maintenance – such as preserved flowers and foliage – grows, which means that producers like ourselves are constantly looking for new and better processes, to ensure that we can offer a selection of good quality and affordable options for our clients.

How do you care for preserved tree fern

Best care practices for maintaining quality

Preserved tree fern requires very little care. The stems will last for years if you keep them out of direct sunlight and humidity. Direct sunlight can cause the preserved fronds to fade faster, while moisture can lead to mould growth. So it is important to take these facts in mind when you buy a bunch of preserved tree fern. Occasional dust can be wiped off with a wet wipe. Avoid cleaning solutions, as they may damage the preserved ferns.

Storage recommendations for florists

Proper storage is essential for prolonging the life of preserved tree ferns. Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and fluctuating temperatures. If possible, keep the ferns in their original packaging until they are ready to be used. This helps protect them from dust and physical damage. For long-term storage, keep them in closed carton boxes.

Conclusion

Preserved tree fern provides many benefits for florists and wholesalers alike. Its versatility, longevity, low care and environmental advantages makes it an excellent choice to enhance your floral arrangements. Incorporating a bunch of these stunning, low-maintenance tree fern stems into any bouquet of flowers, will ensure that you meet the growing demand of customers who want to buy sustainable and long-lasting flowers.

If you’re ready to explore the world of preserved tree ferns, reach out to us via our website and we’ll be delighted to give you more info on how to incorporate these beautiful, low-care tree ferns into your designs, as well info on minimum order, quantity, price and delivery.