WHEN MAKING FLOWERS AND LEAVES WITH FONDANT- HOW MUCH DRYING TIME IS NEEDED BEFORE PUTTING ON CAKE- I NOTED THAT IF I KEEP THEM TO DRY FOR EVEN A COUPLE OF HOURS- THEY TEND TO HAVE A DRY LOOK AND CRACK.
SHOULD I USE 50/50 GUM PASTE/FONDANT INSTEAD OR SHOULD I JUST PUT THE FONDANT DECORATIONS ON
PLEASE HELP

Try to use less cornstarch when you're rolling them out. You can roll them on a piece of clear vinyl with a nonstick pin, and that will help them not stick so much. I use a basting brush to put cornstarch on my work surface.

I usually let fondant dry overnight at least. Gumpaste will dry faster but not be as pleasant to eat.

You can also paint your fondant flowers with gel color thinned with vodka, to give them a more vibrant color and get rid of the dry look.