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Dry Plants with Roots or Without: What Gardeners Should Know

  • Writer: Jayant Upadhyay
    Jayant Upadhyay
  • Jul 25
  • 4 min read


Dried plants with intricate roots displayed against a simple gray background. Different stalks and leaves create a natural, earthy aesthetic.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

  2. What Does It Mean to “Dry” a Plant?

  3. Why People Dry Plants

  4. Types of Plants That Can Be Dried

  5. With Roots vs. Without Roots: Key Differences

  6. Pros of Drying Plants With Roots

  7. Pros of Drying Plants Without Roots

  8. When to Choose Rooted Drying

  9. When to Choose Rootless Drying

  10. Common Plants Dried With Roots

  11. Common Plants Dried Without Roots

  12. Ideal Conditions for Drying

  13. Drying Techniques: Step-by-Step

  14. Preservation Tips After Drying

  15. Using Dried Plants in Home Decor

  16. Are Dried Plants Still Alive?

  17. Drying for Replanting Purposes

  18. Dried Plants and Soil Health

  19. Best Practices and Mistakes to Avoid

  20. Conclusion

1. Introduction

Drying plants has been practiced for centuries—for decoration, herbal medicine, propagation, or preservation. But one major question remains: Should you dry plants with their roots or without? This seemingly simple choice affects how the plant can be used later—whether for decor, replanting, or composting.

This comprehensive guide will help gardeners, home decorators, and hobbyists understand which method suits their needs and how to do it correctly.

2. What Does It Mean to “Dry” a Plant?

Drying a plant refers to the process of removing moisture to halt biological processes. The goal is to preserve the structure and appearance or to prepare the plant for long-term storage, decor, or use in crafts and potpourri.

3. Why People Dry Plants

  • Preservation: Keeps the shape and form of flowers or herbs.

  • Medicinal Use: Herbs like chamomile or lavender.

  • Decor: Popular in dried floral arrangements or wall hangings.

  • Crafts: Used in candles, soaps, and wreaths.

  • Propagation: Especially for bulb plants or succulents.

4. Types of Plants That Can Be Dried

  • Flowers: Roses, hydrangeas, baby’s breath.

  • Herbs: Mint, oregano, thyme.

  • Succulents: Often dried for propagation.

  • Grasses: Pampas, wheat stalks.

  • Rooted Plants: Onions, garlic, bulbs.

5. With Roots vs. Without Roots: Key Differences

Criteria

Drying With Roots

Drying Without Roots

Survival chances

Higher for bulbs/succulents

Usually zero

Decorative use

Rustic/earthy aesthetic

Cleaner look

Replanting

Often viable

Not suitable

Ease

Takes longer

Faster to dry

Risk of mold

Higher due to root moisture

Lower

6. Pros of Drying Plants With Roots

  • Propagation Ready: Bulb plants like tulips and garlic can be replanted.

  • Storage for Dormancy: Plants like amaryllis can go dormant in dry form.

  • Rustic Look: Ideal for farmhouse decor.

  • Slower Drying = Better Color Retention (in some species).

7. Pros of Drying Plants Without Roots

  • Faster Process: Less water content to evaporate.

  • Less Risk of Mold: Roots retain a lot of water.

  • More Compact for Storage.

  • Simplified Display: Easier to hang or frame.

8. When to Choose Rooted Drying

  • You want to replant later (e.g., lilies, tulips).

  • You're storing bulbs or rhizomes.

  • You like the raw, earthy look with roots showing.

  • You're creating naturalistic installations or wall hangings.

9. When to Choose Rootless Drying

  • You're preserving for decorative purposes only.

  • You need to save space or store long-term.

  • You're making crafts, bouquets, wreaths.

  • You're drying aromatic herbs.

10. Common Plants Dried With Roots

  • Lavender (whole stalks)

  • Garlic/onion bulbs (for seed preservation or use)

  • Amaryllis or other bulbs

  • Ornamental grasses

  • Air plants (tillandsia)

11. Common Plants Dried Without Roots

  • Roses

  • Eucalyptus

  • Thyme, mint, oregano

  • Hydrangeas

  • Sunflowers

12. Ideal Conditions for Drying

  • Ventilation: Air movement helps prevent mold.

  • Shade or Indirect Light: Prevents color loss.

  • Low Humidity: Speeds drying.

  • Hanging Upside Down: Keeps stems straight.

For rooted drying, soil removal and root washing are crucial to prevent rot.

13. Drying Techniques: Step-by-Step

A. With Roots

  1. Gently uproot the plant.

  2. Wash soil off the roots.

  3. Pat dry with a cloth.

  4. Tie stems and hang upside down in a ventilated room.

  5. Wait 1–3 weeks depending on species.

B. Without Roots

  1. Snip the plant at the base.

  2. Remove excess leaves or flowers if needed.

  3. Hang or lay flat on mesh screens.

  4. Rotate regularly for even drying.

14. Preservation Tips After Drying

  • Use silica gel to keep moisture away.

  • Spray with acrylic sealant or hairspray to prevent crumbling.

  • Store in dark, airtight containers.

  • Avoid touching dried leaves too often—they’re delicate!

15. Using Dried Plants in Home Decor

  • Wall-mounted arrangements

  • Rustic table centerpieces

  • Framed shadow boxes

  • Hanging bunches in kitchens or entryways

  • Seasonal wreaths

Rooted plants create more natural or boho themes, while rootless ones offer cleaner modern lines.

16. Are Dried Plants Still Alive?

No. True drying kills the plant. However, dormant bulbs and succulents may survive if dried properly for short periods. This is common in plant shipping and propagation.

17. Drying for Replanting Purposes

Some species go into dormancy when dried properly, and can later be replanted. Examples include:

  • Tulip bulbs

  • Garlic cloves

  • Dahlia tubers

  • Succulent cuttings

For these, dry with roots and store in dry paper bags in a cool place.

18. Dried Plants and Soil Health

  • Crushed dried plants can enrich compost.

  • Dried herbs can be added to soil to repel pests.

  • Dried roots can be used in permaculture tea infusions for plant health.

19. Best Practices and Mistakes to Avoid

Do:

  • Pick plants at peak bloom.

  • Remove soil thoroughly.

  • Use cool, dry spaces.

  • Monitor for mold.

Don't:

  • Leave roots wet.

  • Expose to direct sunlight for long periods.

  • Use plastic bags for storage (trap moisture).

  • Bundle too tightly (air needs to circulate).

20. Conclusion

Whether you're a hobbyist gardener, a craft enthusiast, or someone exploring sustainable plant decor, understanding the pros and cons of drying plants with or without roots will help you get better results.

For propagation and replanting, roots matter. For decor and simplicity, going rootless is often better. With the right technique, you can preserve nature’s beauty for months—or even years.

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