12 Best Herbarium Supplies for Creating Plant Collections That Spark Wonder Outdoors

Creating your own herbarium collection lets you preserve and document nature’s botanical treasures with scientific precision. Whether you’re a botany student passionate plant enthusiast or aspiring taxonomist having the right supplies will make all the difference in producing professional-quality preserved specimens.

From acid-free mounting paper and archival adhesives to plant presses and collecting tools we’ll explore the essential materials you’ll need to start building your own herbarium collection the right way. These carefully selected supplies will help ensure your pressed plants remain preserved and documented for years to come.

Essential Tools for Plant Collection and Preservation

Field Collection Equipment

• Large collection bags (paper or plastic) for temporary specimen storage
• Sharp pruning shears or collection scissors for clean cuts
• Field notebook and waterproof labels for documentation
• GPS device or smartphone for location tracking
• Hand lens (10x magnification) for detailed observation
• Digging tool for collecting root specimens
• Collection permits if required in your area
• Digital camera for in-situ documentation
• Small plastic bags for seed collection

Plant Press Components

• Two wooden press boards (12×18 inches) for frame structure
• Corrugated cardboard ventilators for air circulation
• Blotting paper or newspaper for moisture absorption
• Straps or ropes for securing the press
• Plant press lattices for even pressure distribution
• Heavy-duty press screws for compression
• Foam padding for delicate specimens
• Extra ventilators for thick specimens
• Folded newspaper sheets for specimen separation

• Acid-free herbarium paper (11.5×16.5 inches)
• Archival-quality adhesive or mounting tape
• Fragment packets for loose parts
• Labels with collection information
• Clear polyester covers for protection
• Acid-free paper strips for strapping
• Archival-quality glue brush
• Self-sealing specimen bags
• Genus covers for organization

Selecting the Right Drying Materials

Proper drying materials are essential for preserving plant specimens in their best condition while preventing mold and maintaining natural color.

Blotting Papers and Cardboard

• Choose thick blotting papers (1mm-3mm) over newspaper for superior moisture absorption and faster drying times
• Layer corrugated cardboard ventilator sheets between drying papers to ensure even airflow throughout your specimens
• Create effective homemade presses using multiple cardboard sheets bound together
• Keep blotting papers sized to match your cardboard sheets to protect them from excess moisture
• Replace damp blotting papers regularly during the drying process to prevent mold growth

Ventilators and Heat Sources

• Install proper ventilation systems to maintain consistent airflow around drying specimens
• Position plant presses in warm dry areas with good air circulation
• Consider using gentle heat sources like plant press dryers or heated cabinets
• Avoid direct sunlight or intense heat that could damage or discolor specimens
• Monitor temperature and humidity levels to ensure optimal drying conditions

• Select silica gel beads specifically designed for botanical preservation
• Use color-indicating silica gel to monitor moisture absorption levels
• Store silica gel in airtight containers between uses to maintain effectiveness
• Replace or regenerate silica gel when color indicators show saturation
• Apply silica gel for delicate specimens that require rapid moisture removal

Professional Storage Solutions

Proper storage solutions are essential for maintaining the integrity and longevity of your herbarium specimens. Here’s what you’ll need for professional-grade preservation:

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Herbarium Cabinets

Invest in high-quality herbarium cabinets designed specifically for plant specimen storage. The Spacesaver 241 Model offers superior protection with:

• Closed-cell elastomeric seals to prevent insect infestations
• Three-point latching system for secure closure
• Chemical-resistant powder-coated finish
• Extra space for air circulation
• Non-off-gassing materials

Viking Metal cabinets (now part of Spacesaver) provide reliable performance with adjustable swivel levelers and durable powder coating.

Archival Quality Boxes

Select acid-free archival boxes to store smaller collections or specimens awaiting mounting:

• Reinforced corners for structural integrity
• pH-neutral materials to prevent specimen degradation
• Various sizes to accommodate different plant types
• Stackable designs for space efficiency
• Dust-proof closures for added protection

• Dehumidifiers to keep moisture levels below 40%
• Temperature monitors to maintain 65-72°F (18-22°C)
• Hygrometers for humidity tracking
• Air purifiers to remove airborne contaminants
• Ventilation systems for proper air circulation

Documentation and Organization Supplies

Labels and Record Books

Essential documentation supplies ensure your herbarium specimens maintain their scientific value. Labels must include the plant’s scientific name location collected date collector’s name and habitat details printed on archive-quality paper with permanent ink. Maintain detailed field notes with unique collector numbers for each specimen to track your collection systematically. Store label information on separate sheets inside the newspaper during the pressing process for better organization.

Digital Tools and Software

Transform your herbarium documentation into a digital format using specialized botanical databases and spreadsheet software. Install plant identification apps like iNaturalist or PlantNet to verify species in the field. Use digital specimen management systems to catalog your collection track specimen locations and generate QR-coded labels. These tools streamline organization and make sharing data with other botanists easier.

Magnification Equipment

Select proper magnification tools to examine and document specimen details accurately. Use a 10x hand lens for field observations and initial identifications. Add a desktop magnifier with LED lighting for detailed specimen examination during mounting. Consider a USB digital microscope that connects to your computer for capturing and sharing high-resolution images of plant structures identifying features and creating detailed visual records.

Plant Mounting and Display Materials

Proper mounting materials are essential for creating lasting herbarium specimens that will maintain their scientific value for generations.

Archival Paper Types

For optimal specimen preservation use 100% cotton rag herbarium paper. The NYBG Style Herbarium Paper provides superior durability with its acid-free and lignin-free composition. This specialized paper features:

• pH buffering (8.0-9.0) to prevent acid migration
• Slightly textured surface for better adhesion
• Archival-quality construction for long-term preservation
• Standard sizes that fit traditional herbarium cabinets

Adhesive Solutions

Choose archival-quality adhesives that won’t damage specimens or paper over time:

• Methylcellulose paste: Creates a reversible bond
• PVA glue: Offers strong permanent adhesion
• Conservation-grade tape: Ideal for securing larger specimens
• pH-neutral glue strips: Perfect for attaching small plant parts

Always test adhesives on a sample before mounting valuable specimens.

Protective Covers

Protect mounted specimens with appropriate covering materials:

• Clear polyester sheets (Mylar): Provides visibility while preventing damage
• Acid-free storage folders: Offers additional protection during handling
• Archival sleeves: Shields specimens from dust and insects
• Genus covers: Helps organize related specimens together

Use transparent materials when possible to allow specimen examination without removal.

Safety and Preservation Equipment

Pest Control Products

• Install mothball alternatives like herbal sachets containing lavender cedar or rosemary near specimen storage areas
• Use sticky traps with pheromone lures to monitor insect activity around cabinets
• Apply diatomaceous earth around cabinet bases to create natural barriers against crawling pests
• Implement regular inspections using UV light tools to detect early signs of pest infestation
• Place silica gel packets in storage containers to control moisture that attracts pests

Conservation Tools

• Keep conservation-grade tweezers with fine tips for handling delicate specimens
• Use archival-quality repair tape designed specifically for specimen restoration
• Store pH testing strips to monitor storage environment acidity levels
• Maintain temperature and humidity data loggers for environmental monitoring
• Keep microspatulas and fine brushes for careful specimen cleaning and maintenance

• Wear nitrile gloves when handling specimens to prevent oil transfer from hands
• Use protective eyewear when working with preservation chemicals or dust
• Keep disposable dust masks rated N95 or higher for specimen cleaning tasks
• Stock cotton lab coats to protect clothing and specimens during handling
• Maintain protective sleeve covers for additional barrier protection during detailed work

Scientific Measurement Tools

Accurate measurement and detailed observation of plant specimens are crucial for creating a professional herbarium collection. Here are the essential scientific tools you’ll need:

Microscopes and Magnifiers

Quality microscopes are vital for examining plant structures in detail. A dissecting microscope with 10-40x magnification helps you study surface features while a compound microscope with up to 1000x magnification reveals cellular details. The MSU Herbarium model combines both types with digital camera attachments for documenting microscopic features. A portable 10x hand lens is essential for quick field observations.

Measuring Instruments

Basic measuring tools help you record accurate specimen dimensions. Keep a set of digital calipers for precise measurements of small plant parts like seeds and stems. Include a flexible measuring tape for larger specimens and a sturdy ruler with both metric and imperial units. For field collection reference points use natural body measurements like hand spans finger widths or knee height to estimate plant sizes quickly.

Photography Equipment

A high-resolution digital camera with macro lens capabilities ensures detailed specimen documentation. Consider a camera with at least 20MP resolution GPS tagging and weather resistance for field work. Include a portable light box or photography tent to control lighting conditions when photographing pressed specimens. A sturdy tripod and remote shutter release help capture sharp detailed images of small plant features.

Specialized Transportation Gear

When creating a plant collection, proper transportation equipment ensures your specimens arrive safely at their destination for processing and preservation.

Collection Bags and Containers

For field collection, use high-quality plastic bags in various sizes to protect your specimens. Large bags (550 x 850 mm) serve as primary carriers while smaller bags organize individual specimens. Keep several heavy-duty zip-lock bags handy for delicate samples. Store collected specimens in University Products herbarium boxes featuring metal edges and acid-free construction buffered with 3% calcium carbonate for maximum protection during transport.

Field Notebooks

Your field notebook is essential for documenting collection details on-site. Use a waterproof notebook with weather-resistant pages to record collection dates GPS coordinates specimen descriptions and habitat information. Choose a notebook with pre-printed data fields to ensure consistent documentation. Include pockets for temporary storage of small samples or field labels.

Portable Press Systems

A portable press system allows immediate specimen preservation in the field. Use lightweight corrugated cardboard ventilators paired with blotting papers for a compact pressing solution. Include adjustable straps or lightweight wooden boards to create pressure. These portable systems help prevent wilting and maintain specimen quality until transfer to your permanent press station.

Conclusion: Building Your Professional Herbarium Kit

Creating a professional herbarium collection requires careful selection of high-quality supplies and equipment. By investing in the right tools from acid-free mounting papers to proper storage solutions you’ll ensure your specimens remain preserved for years to come.

Remember that while some equipment might seem costly the longevity and scientific value of your collection depend on using professional-grade materials. Whether you’re a student researcher or plant enthusiast equipping yourself with these essential supplies will help you build and maintain a herbarium collection that meets scientific standards.

Start with the basics and gradually expand your collection of tools as needed. With proper supplies and careful attention to preservation techniques you’ll be well-prepared to document and share nature’s botanical diversity for future generations.