In the previous article we learnt how wet floral foam can be used for fresh flower arrangements and included a step-by-step guide on how to soak the foam correctly. You can also watch our video on how to soak floral foam. This article will help you determine which floral foam to use in your arrangement.Essentially,it will depend on the type of flowers used; fresh, artificial or dried flowers.
Origins of Floral Foam
In 1954 a gentleman named V.L. Smithers pioneered the water-absorbing foam for florists and changed the floral industry. His company Oasis® Floral Products remains the leading global manufacturer and supplier of floral foam today. Floral foam, whether wet or dry allows the floral designer to create beautiful arrangements that will hold and stay fresh and vibrant with it’s steady supply of water. Wet floral foam needs to be saturated in water prior to use where as dry floral foam can be used without water.
Using Wet Floral Foam for Fresh Floral Arrangements
Wet floral foam is designed to hold water for lengthy periods of time which makes it the ideal floral foam choice when working with fresh flowers. Start with either a pre-made shape or one you’ve cut yourself. After fully saturating the floral foam in water, (see the guide on how to soak floral foam) it can be placed in any type of waterproof container to your liking or used just the way it is after which you can start adorning it with fresh flowers. The fresh flowers will remain hydrated between sevento 10 days. Continue to add water to the container once daily so that the foam is kept wet.
Using Dry Floral Styrofoam for Silk Floral Arrangements
Dry floral foam bricks (also known as floral styrofoam) are easy to cut and work with in the same way as wet floral foam except you do not need to soak them in water. They are mainly used for plastic plants, fake plants and artificial flower arrangements.
The dense and compact nature of the dry floral foam can also accommodate small and large artificial plants and artificial flowers with a stem that has been fitted with a sharp metal spike or florist wire and then dipped in hot glue before being pierced into position. The added weight of dry floral foam also ensures that the plastic plants and floral arrangement will hold it’s shape. There are many shapes and sizes to choose from and they usually come in either green or white.
Remember, you can also use floral styrofoam wreaths and shapes for dried flowers and artificial flower arrangements as an alternative to dry floral foam bricks.
Floral styrofoam’s robust design makes it the best fit for silk, dried and fake flower arrangements as the foam is denser and heavier and more unlikely to crumble. Typically, floral foam is found in a variety of shapes such as wreaths and crosses orspheres andcones. They are also used extensively in craft projects.
Using the right floral foam for different arrangements will ensure flowers and plastic plants will be kept secure and remain beautiful for as long as possible. Depending on whether you have small or large artificial plants and flowers will also determine how much floral foam you need.
General tips for handling floral foam:
–Store in dry and cool place, avoid direct sunlight.
–Clean hands after handling foam.
–Do not inhale dust.
–Do not swallow foam.
–Store in low area to avoid eye contact.
General tips for styling with floral foam:
Try using floral foam to create an artificial plant wall! A fake plant wall is a great home decor and outdoor garden feature. They are also ideal for photo backdrops as events! To create an artificial plant wall using floral foam simply secure your foam on to a panel of mesh (by inserting the pieces of floral foam through the openings. Then take your artificial plants and place poke the stems through the foam, arranging them how you like! Before you know it, you’ll have yourself a portable fake plant wall for every occasion.
For more information on how to use floral foam and answers to commonly asked questions, please read our other Blog article: The Benefits of Floral Foam.
You can also shop our entire range of plastic plants, large artificial plants and artificial flowers online at Koch & Co.
FAQs
Origins of Floral Foam
Floral foam, whether wet or dry allows the floral designer to create beautiful arrangements that will hold and stay fresh and vibrant with it's steady supply of water. Wet floral foam needs to be saturated in water prior to use where as dry floral foam can be used without water.
What is a rule when using floral foam? ›
Lay the floral foam atop a basin of water and let it sink into the water by its own weight. Allow foam to fully saturate, approximately 2 minutes. Do not exceed 20 minutes. Soaked floral foam should be used within 1 to 2 weeks.
What is dry floral foam used for? ›
Lightweight, dry floral foam is perfect for artificial silk and dried flower arrangements. Not suitable for growing flowers. Easy to use, just cut to the desired size and insert the flowers into the floral foam to create beautiful arrangements. Also, great to hold lollipops or anything on a stick.
Can I use wet floral foam for dried flowers? ›
Punctured foam contains plant debris which will pollute the water in the new arrangement. Note: unpunctured, used foam may be reused as filler, however, once foam has dried out, it cannot be re-wet, so make sure the used foam is not in an area that will be reached by thirsty plant stems.
Do you wet floral foam before putting flowers in it? ›
Wet floral foam is used with live flowers that need water, while dry foam is used for artificial flowers and the occasional craft. Before arranging the flowers, let wet floral foam soak up as much water as possible so it's ready to care for the plants.
How long do you soak wet floral foam? ›
Step 1 Fill your bucket with water, double the depth of a brick is ideal. Step 2 Gently place your piece of floral foam on top of the water and let it soak until it naturally sinks to the bottom of the bucket. It should take 60 seconds to sink and soak.
How do you make floral foam flowers last longer? ›
use quality flowers that have a similar life cycle, use quality arranging foam, soak the foam correctly using floral preservative powder, keep your container filled with fresh water daily, and protect your flowers from extreme heat and cold.
Why is my floral foam not soaking? ›
Forcing water into the foam creates air pockets resulting in the foam not soaking through properly which will cause flowers to become prematurely dehydrated and die. Instead, gently place the floral foam on top of the water and let it soak naturally.
How do you arrange flowers with wet foam? ›
Always cut your floral foam so that it is about 1″ higher than the rim of your container. This allows the flowers to be arranged more naturally, so that the stems flow down to the sides and in front of the arrangement.
What are the two types of floral foam? ›
Dry foam (normally a grey block) used for dried or artificial flower arrangements, wet foam (normally a green block) for fresh flower arrangements and decorative Rainbow Oasis (foam or powder). Floral foam is not a substitute for water but merely a water source.
- 1 Premium Dry Floral Foam Bricks.
- 2 Carfare Wet Floral Foam.
- 3 Carfare Wet Floral Foam.
- 4 Oasis Floral Foam Bricks.
- 5 CCINEE Floral Foam Bricks.
Desert Dry Floral Foam is a premium foam for silk and dry floral arrangements. It is strong and firm, but will accept the most fragile stem material available. Desert Foam holds flower stems without floral picks better than any dry foam. You can insert stems at any angle with no picks needed.
Can wet floral foam be reused? ›
Remove flowers & greenery by pulling the stems out of the foam carefully. Soak the foam in water to rehydrate it. Add new flowers and greenery to reused foam for a beautiful new arrangement.
Do flowers last longer in water or floral foam? ›
While you can reuse floral foam for filler, you should use a fresh block for new flowers because you never know what bacteria is lurking from the last bouquet. Check the moisture level and top up when the foam feels dry to help it last. With proper maintenance, your blooms may last longer in flower foam than in a vase.
Do you wet oasis before putting flowers in? ›
Yes, you should use a jug to keep the Oasis floral foam damp so that it retains water and keeps the stems of the flowers hydrated in the floral arrangement.
Is dry floral foam toxic? ›
Unfortunately, floral foam contains the same amount of plastic as 10 plastic shopping bags, is non-biodegradable, non-recyclable and toxic for both humans and animals. It's such an issue that the RHS is to ban the water-absorbing block from all of its garden and horticultural shows that are taking place in 2021.
Can you glue wet floral foam? ›
This foam is then treated with a detergent that makes it able to soak up water. You can use hot glue, pan melt glue, or strong glue to adhere to the floral foams together.
Should I remove flowers from floral foam? ›
If your flowers have been arranged in a container, it is more than likely your florist has used floral foam. This will need to be topped up to ensure that the foam does not dry out. Remove any spent flowers to inhibit the growth of bacteria.
Does aspirin keep cut roses fresher longer? ›
Yes, it can! Crushing an aspirin tablet into the water of the vase will help keep flowers fresher for longer. Simply place aspirin tablets on a plate and crush them by using the back of a spoon. This will form a powder that you can pour into your vase of roses.
How long will flowers last in floral foam? ›
Boxed flowers should last a week, give or take a day or two, depending on their level of care. Check if the floral foam is wet or damp daily. If the foam dries out, it is less likely to take up water again, so try to keep floral foam damp or moist at all times.
Dry Fast Foam for Outdoor Cushions
The firm cushion has enough to ensure comfort, without the chance of lumps forming over time, your summer days and nights are consistently enjoyed in dry comfort. Available in pre-cut lengths of 60x80, our sheets are the perfect size for your outdoor upholstery project.
How long does air dry foam take to dry? ›
Lightweight and Sturdy - Foam clay is lightweight and easy to handle while mainting it's shape and form. Air Dry - Air dries within 24-48 hours, does not lose it's flexibility after drying, but it does maintain shape.
What is the best way to dry foam? ›
After washing a quick dry foam cushion, do not put it in a dryer or subject to heat. Simply apply pressure to remove any water residue then place it in an airy spot, in direct sun, on its side so the water can drain out of the zip end. If you need to dry the cushion inside, ensure it is in front of a fan.
Can floral foam go down the drain? ›
If you need to dispose of floral foam, experts agree that placing it in landfill garbage is much better than washing it down the drain or adding it to compost or yard waste.
What liquid makes flowers last longer? ›
Freshly cut flowers will last longer if you add 1/4 teaspoon bleach per quart (1 liter) of vase water. Another popular recipe calls for 3 drops bleach and 1 teaspoon sugar in 1 quart (1 liter) water. This will also keep the water from getting cloudy and inhibit the growth of bacteria.
Is it better to use cold or warm water for flowers? ›
One of the most surprising findings is that freshly picked flowers should be placed in cold water, not warm. With a few exceptions, warm temperatures rob the flower of food and water, often resulting in dehydration.
Should I put my flowers in cold water or warm water? ›
Bring a bucket of warm water so that the cut flowers can be placed immediately into water; most flowers take in warm water more efficiently than cold.
When should I air dry my bouquet? ›
Wait until your flowers partially or fully open before drying and preserving them. Drying works best for more robust flowers or whole bouquets (such as roses) while pressing is the best method for preserving smaller, more delicate flowers (like lavender sprigs or daisies).
How long do flowers last in dry foam? ›
Dipping the foam into the water for just a minute will make it absorb a significant amount of water to hold and keep fresh plants and stems in your arrangement hydrated. With the longevity of fresh flowers, the foams come with an impressive MaxLife technology which enables them to biodegrade within 567 days.
What are the three types of floral foam? ›
Dry foam (normally a grey block) used for dried or artificial flower arrangements, wet foam (normally a green block) for fresh flower arrangements and decorative Rainbow Oasis (foam or powder).
Forcing water into the foam creates air pockets resulting in the foam not soaking through properly which will cause flowers to become prematurely dehydrated and die. Instead, gently place the floral foam on top of the water and let it soak naturally.
How do I choose floral foam? ›
Choose the density of foam most efficient for your needs based on type of flower stem, size of arrangement, necessary water saturation rate, and purpose of the design. Then enjoy your design process.
Can you reuse wet floral foam? ›
Remove flowers & greenery by pulling the stems out of the foam carefully. Soak the foam in water to rehydrate it. Add new flowers and greenery to reused foam for a beautiful new arrangement.
Can you add more water to floral foam? ›
So it is a good idea to check your foam every day or so to make sure that the foam doesn't dry out. Generally you can add a little water to the foam every couple of days.
