Crafting a Corsage from Houseplant Flowers

A corsage is a wearable flower arrangement. Although some people think corsages are unfashionable (or even corny), I guarantee that if you make one for yourself or your partner for a special occasion, you’ll get loads of compliments.

Many houseplants’ flowers and foliage make stunning and long-lasting corsages, and you can create one yourself relatively quickly. Some examples are anthuriums, various ferns, many orchids, and gardenias.

Follow these steps:

1. Remove the flower you want to use from its plant, keeping about 3 inches (7.6 cm) of the stem.

2. Wrap the stem with florist’s wire as shown in the first photo.

   Start at the top and work your way down to the base of the stem. Two or three passes are sufficient. Cut the excess wire with wire cutters or utility scissors.

   © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

3. Wrap florist’s tape around the flower stem as shown in the second photo.

   You can purchase this tape at craft stores, online, or from florists. As with the florist’s wire, start at the top and work your way down to the base of the stem. Cut the excess tape with utility scissors.

   © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

   If you want, you can add a fern frond or some other delicately textured green foliage to the corsage (see the third photo). Hold the frond against the stem and at the back of the flower. Fasten the foliage to the flower stem by wrapping them both with another layer of tape.

   © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

4. For a decorative touch, you can add a ribbon, and don’t forget to provide a florist’s pin like the one shown in the fourth photo.

   © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

   Now you’re ready to go to the ball!

Place the finished corsage in a sealed rigid plastic container or in a plastic bag and keep it in your refrigerator until it’s ready to be worn.

For more houseplant know-how, check out the Houseplants & Succulents For Dummies Cheat Sheet or buy the book.