How to Dry Eucalyptus: Air Drying vs Glycerin

There are two ways to preserve eucalyptus: hang it to air dry, which takes a few weeks and leaves stiff, brittle stems, or treat it with glycerin, which keeps the leaves soft and flexible. Illinois Extension says hanging bunches upside down in a warm, dry, dark area generally takes two to three weeks, and Clemson Extension says a glycerin and water mixture takes two to three weeks and leaves the foliage flexible. This guide covers both methods, when to cut, and a safety warning: eucalyptus is toxic to pets.

When to Cut

Kansas State University Extension says stems to be preserved should be cut in the morning or early evening when temperatures are a little cooler, and harvested mid to late in the season when new growth has slowed.

Method 1: Air Drying

Illinois Extension says to hang the bunches upside down in a warm, dry, dark area with good air circulation until thoroughly dried, generally two to three weeks. Purdue Extension says to hang the bundles in a cool, dark place for about 3 weeks, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension says three to five weeks for flowers in general. Air-dried stems end up stiffer than glycerin-treated ones, which Kansas State says stay soft and pliable.

Method 2: Glycerin (Stays Soft)

Clemson Extension lists eucalyptus among foliage that does well when allowed to absorb glycerin. Its method is to place the stems in a warm mixture of glycerin and water (1 part glycerin to 2 parts water, by volume), which Purdue Extension also gives. Clemson says the foliage may take two to three weeks, you know it is done when the entire leaf turns golden brown, and the leaves remain flexible. Kansas State University says the result is soft and pliable and remains so for several years, and that woody stems may take 5 to 7 days in solution.

A study summarized by the American Floral Endowment, which cites Kansas State University researchers, recommends a 25% glycerin solution for eucalyptus, found that all glycerin-treated stems lost some of their natural green color starting around day six, and that after an additional week stored dry the glycerin-treated stems were much more flexible than those in water alone. Sources differ on the strength (1:2 is about 33% glycerin), so start with either and watch the foliage.

Storing and Using It

Keep preserved eucalyptus out of direct sun and damp rooms. Glycerin-treated stems stay pliable for crafts and wreaths; air-dried stems suit hanging arrangements. For flowers and other foliage, see how to dry flowers.

Why Store-Bought Eucalyptus Feels Soft

The Old Farmer’s Almanac says the dried eucalyptus you see in stores is usually preserved with the glycerin method, which is why it stays soft.

Quick Answers

How long does eucalyptus take to dry?

Two to three weeks of hanging, per Illinois Extension and Purdue Extension; University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension gives three to five weeks for flowers generally.

How do you keep eucalyptus soft?

Use glycerin. Clemson and Purdue Extension both give a mixture of 1 part glycerin to 2 parts water, taking two to three weeks.

Can you dry eucalyptus in a dehydrator?

We found no extension guidance for it, so we do not recommend a setting. Hanging or glycerin are the sourced methods.

Is eucalyptus safe for pets?

No. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs, cats and horses.

Will it keep its color?

Kansas State researchers found glycerin-treated stems lost some green color starting around day six.

Sources

• Illinois Extension: Make flowers and memories last forever by drying
• Clemson Cooperative Extension: Drying flowers
• Purdue Extension: HO-102-W
• Kansas State University: Preserving flowers and decorative foliages with glycerin and dye (MF2446)
• American Floral Endowment: Discovering the best way to preserve eucalyptus foliage
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Guide to drying flowers
• Old Farmer’s Almanac: Preserving eucalyptus
• ASPCA: Eucalyptus