“Exsiccate: to remove moisture from, to dry”

VASCULAR PLANTS:

The rate of drying depends on the thickness of the plant material, temperature, air circulation, paper type and other factors. The process usually takes about 3-6 days. The key to retaining better colour is to remove water from your specimen quickly and consistently, but at a moderate temperature so not to damage the cells.

• Take your plant press with all your newly collected specimens and put them near a safe heating source with good air flow; ideally you will have a fan to circulate the heated air through the specimens in the press.

Example of a safe, in-home specimen drying system
(left to right: fan, heater, press)

• Herbaria often use a specialized dryer to dry specimens at 35°C – 45°C with an automated fan setting.

• Check specimens every 1-2 days and exchange the original newsprint with new dry newsprint to avoid mold issues.
• Periodically (every 1-2 days) further tighten the press straps to minimize the specimen wrinkling.
• Do not stop the drying process until the specimen is completely dry. You know the specimen is dried once it is brittle.
• All specimens do not dry at the same time. Be sure to continuously check your press and remove any dried specimens from the press when necessary  to prevent over-drying.