How to Use Floral Foam for Flower Arrangements

Floral foam is a helpful tool in the construction of many floral designs. Not only does it help stabilize flower arrangements, floral foam allows the florist to use dishes whose dimensions might not otherwise be appropriate for containing flowers. Read the following tips to learn the basics on how to use floral foam for flower arrangements.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Cut the floral foam according to the size of the receptacle you will use for the floral design using a serrated knife. Avoid over-handling the floral foam; it is a delicate object and can crumble easily when mishandled, damaging its capillary system.

2. Soak the floral foam in water treated with a floral preservative or a few drops of bleach for at least 20 minutes. This will discourage the growth of harmful bacteria. Place the floral foam in a dish of water, and allow it to absorb the water on its own. Do not force the floral foam under the water.

3. Secure the floral foam to your container using floral tape. Be sure to leave enough space between your floral foam and the sides of the container so that you can water your arrangement on a daily basis.

4. Use flowers with stems cut at a sharp angle to puncture the floral foam. This will ensure a tight seal around the flower stem and the transfer of water between the foam and flower. Try not to remove your flower stem once you place it, as doing so will compromise the integrity of the floral foam.

5. Attach crooked or blunt flower stems to floral picks before inserting them into the floral foam. Use a floral pick as an extension to the flower stem, and attach it using small gauge craft wire.