Cardinal Rules: 

Generally speaking, we have five main rules to keep in mind when it comes to storing plants. For the most part, these are very unspecific to the different types of plants, since storage will vary: 

1. Keep the plant cool or cold.
2. Keep the plant in the dark.
3. Keep the plant dry.
4. Do not expose the plant to air. 
5. Make sure the plant is clear.

• Dried Plants: Should be kept in airtight containers, preferably with a tint. Plants should be stored at room temperature, or around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Before storing, any deceased, withered or damaged parts of the plant should be discarded. 


• Fresh Plants: Before storage the herbs should be washed, and any deceased, withered or damaged parts of the plant should be discarded. After washing, you must ensure that the plants aren't wet. From there, you can either treat "tender" plants like they were cut flowers, or instead bind and roll samples of "hardy" plants.

The Sands of Time:

• Dry as a Bonset: Specific plant parts last for longer than others. For example, roots and rhizomes last the longers, followed by bark and seeds, and ending with leaves, flowers and stems. Plant parts will last longer when dried, compared to fresh or powdered when observing statistics. Those plants which do end up going "bad" are often not necessairly hazardous to eat, but instead, just less effective. 


• So Fresh, So Clean: Despite fresh plants having a much shorter shelf time, many potions still include those herbs as a vital part of their ingredients list. However, there are certain tips and tricks we can use to ensure that these plants last for a little longer, with great efficency. 

Spells and Potions for Storage: 
The Aquatima potion can be used to help fresh plants store their potency for longer periods of time. It will soak up the plant's best nutrients, and thus extend its life for around a week longer. Moving on, the Anti-Germantation Charm can be used to ensure that fresh seeds don't begin to grow before planted. Once the seeds need to be grown, that is where the Effect Cancelling Charm comes into play. Next, to tint currently transparent containers, the Darkness Charm can be used to give the same effect. In addition to containers, the Unbreakable Charm is a little more complicated than the already covered Repelling Charm, but is great for storing liquids! The Preservation Charm is also used in a variety of ways, by many different plant enthuasists. And finally, the Oxygen Repelling Charm can be used to delay the decay of plants. 

Quality Control: 
Though there are ways to prevent your plant losing its efficency, it is inevitable. This can be predicted, though. In ways such as the colours of plants, the smell, or even a comparitive taste test. With the Freshness Indicator smell, it can tell you all of this information. When performed correctly, the spell will show one puff of smoke for every month remaining of the plant's use.