# How to Dry an Arborvitae
Things You'll Need
- Knife
- Vase
- Large bowl
- 1 cup glycerin
- 2 cups boiling water
- Soft, dry cloth
- Rigid container with airtight lid
Instructions
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1
Remove arborvitae branches up to 12 inches in length with a small knife, holding the blade at a slight angle. Choose healthy, flexible stems filled with fragrant, bright green foliage.
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2
Cut the base of each branch lengthwise, creating a slit that is 1 to 4 inches long.
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3
Place the cut stems in a vase filled with tepid water and leave them overnight. This will ensure the foliage is adequately hydrated prior to starting the preservation process.
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4
Pour 1 cup of glycerin into a large bowl. Add 2 cups of boiling water and stir until the glycerin is dissolved. Set the mixture aside and allow it to cool.
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5
Remove the arborvitae stems from the vase and drain the water. Refill the vase with glycerin solution.
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6
Arrange the stems in the vase so the foliage does not touch, then place the vase in a cool, dark location.
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7
Check the stems each day, refilling the vase with ordinary water, as needed. As the glycerin makes its way through the plant's vascular system, the affected foliage will fade to pale green or gold. When the new color reaches the tip of a branch, remove it from the glycerin solution.
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8
Pat the stems with a soft, dry cloth and place them in a rigid container with an airtight lid, or put them to immediate use in floral arrangements, centerpieces or homemade potpourris.
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