Flower bulbs always need soil or at least water around the roots to grow and bloom. Incorrect! The bulbs of some varieties already contain everything that is needed for beautiful flowers. Wax provides a protective coating.
What are flower bulbs in wax?
Flower bulbs in wax, also known as “waxing”, are bulbs of plants such as amaryllis and hyacinths that are coated with a protective layer of wax. This growing process allows the plant to grow and bloom without soil or additional water as it can draw all the necessary nutrients and moisture from the bulb.
What is waxing anyway?
During waxing, the flower bulb is covered with a layer of wax. It then requires neither soil nor does it need to be watered. The flower grows solely from the nutrients in the bulb and the moisture it contains.
A wax flower bulb is a decorative element and can be placed almost anywhere. The wax layer itself can be colored differently and even have glitter.
Suitable flower bulbs
Different flower bulb varieties have different bulbs. Everything is there, from tiny, shriveled tubers to huge, plump specimens. But they don't just differ in size and shape. Their reserves also vary in size.
Varieties that store plenty of energy and moisture in their bulbs are suitable for “waxing”. Amaryllis and hyacinths are ideal. The first variety is good for the winter time, while the second variety can ring in spring.
Buy ready-made in stores
This new trend cannot yet be found in all flower shops. However, flower bulbs coated with wax are occasionally sold. They usually have a spiral on the bottom, which is intended to ensure a secure stand. If necessary, it can be removed without hesitation.
Do-it-yourself materials
You can also “wax” flower bulbs yourself at home. For this you need:
- a perfect, suitable onion
- Wax from household candles, tea lights etc.
- a pot to melt
Tip
You don't necessarily have to buy the flower bulb “naked”. Specimens that have already been planted can also be used.
Instructions
- Once the onion has been planted, take it out of the pot or dig it out of the garden soil. If so, then she must have only expelled a little.
- Remove all soil residue from the flower bulb.
- Put the onion in a glass of water for a few hours so that it can soak up.
- Dab the onion dry and shorten its roots slightly.
- Melt the wax (€19.00 on Amazon) in a water bath. It shouldn't get too hot and certainly shouldn't boil. But it has to be warm enough to be liquid or malleable.
- Dip the onion into the wax. Only the sprouting point is left out.
- Repeat the process until the onion is covered in an opaque layer of wax.
- Let the wax dry completely before using the onion as decoration.
