Everything You Need to Know About Floral Foam

There are many tricks for securing flowers when creating an arrangement. Floral foam has long been a popular option. It keeps stems in place and helps hydrate blooms and greenery to keep them looking fresh. Before trying this florist tool, read up on the basics, so you know that it's right for your project and how best to use it. 

When to Use Floral Foam 

Floral foam keeps flowers hydrated and in place during special events.

While a vase of loose flowers can look pretty, floral foam gives you more control over your arrangement’s design. As a florist, you’ll need wet floral foam for fresh flowers. You can insert stems at different angles to create your desired shape. The foam will hold the stems in place, preserving your arrangement’s structure. 

Floral foam is essential for making wedding centerpieces or other event arrangements. The foam will keep everything in place during transportation. Wet floral foam also holds water for the flowers so they don’t dry out during the event. It would be a tragedy for all your hard work to go to waste because something spilled or wilted!   

How to Use Floral Foam 

With a bit of practice, you'll soon be comfortable using wet floral foam to create gorgeous floral designs.

Using floral foam takes a few more steps than just dropping a block in a vase. However, the process is fairly simple and easy to master with a little practice. 

1. Prepare pieces of foam to fit snugly in your container. You may need to cut small pieces to fill in empty spaces. You can use a floral design knife to cut pieces to size or shape the foam for a rounded arrangement. 
2. Float cut foam in a bucket or basin of water until it’s fully saturated and sinks. Don’t push it down, as this can create air pockets in the foam and prevent some flowers from receiving hydration. 
3. Place the wet foam back in your container or cage. You can place decorative moss over the top to help hide the foam. 
4. Cut flower stems at an angle to create a point. This helps them go into the foam easily. 
5. Begin inserting cut flowers into the foam. You can stick them in at many angles to shape your arrangement. The foam will hold the stems in place. Try to push stems in one to one-and-a-half inches deep for a stronger hold. 
6. If you want to remove a flower, cut the stem close to the foam rather than pull it out. This leaves the foam intact and preserves its integrity. 

Are There Substitutes for Floral Foam?

Not all florists love floral foam. You might find it messy, time-consuming, or not cost-effective. Floral foam can take up a lot of storage space and is not always environmentally friendly. Depending on your needs, you can find several substitutes for floral foam. 

Reusable plastic mechanics solve all these issues. They lock stems into place, preserving your arrangement’s shape. They are easy to use and save money over time because you can use them repeatedly. Tools like the Holly Chapple Egg and Pillow mechanics are even specially designed to create full-looking arrangements with fewer flowers.

Shop Floral Foam and Other Florist Supplies at 46 & Spruce

Ready to try floral foam or stock up on other florist supplies? Find tools to inspire your floral creations at 46 & Spruce. You can even buy our exclusive products in bulk when you sign up for a Professional Account. If you have any questions about our products, shipping, or something else, contact us, and our customer service representatives will be happy to help.