Floral foam, also known as floral foam or florist's foam, is an indispensable tool in floristry and for hobby gardeners and craft enthusiasts. It is a special foam that is used to fix flowers and plants in flower arrangements. The floral foam provides a solid base into which flower stems can be easily inserted, enabling creative and stable floral creations. For example, as table decorations for weddings or as personalised grave arrangements with candles at the cemetery.

Floral foam usually consists of a plastic foam, usually phenolic resin. This special foam is characterised by its porous structure, which absorbs and stores water well. As a result, the flowers in the arrangements stay fresh for longer and can be optimally supplied with water and nutrients. In addition to the classic green floral foam for fresh flowers, there are also variants for dried flowers that have a firmer structure and do not absorb water.

The use of floral foam is very simple and requires no special prior knowledge. Here are the basic steps for using it:

• Cut: Cut the floral foam to the desired size to fit your container or base. A sharp knife is best for this.
• Soak: For fresh flowers, you should soak the floral foam. Place it in a container of water and allow it to soak.
• Placing: Place the wet floral foam in your container or base.
• Sticking: Stick the flower stems into the foam. Make sure that the stems are firmly attached and come into good contact with the water.
• Arrange: Arrange the flowers as you wish. The floral foam gives you the freedom to create creative and stable arrangements.

Correct watering is crucial for optimum preparation of wet floral foam. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Water container: Fill a sufficiently large container with water. The water level should be high enough for the floral foam to be completely submerged.
• Soak: Carefully place the floral foam on the surface of the water. Do not press it under, but allow it to soak on its own. This usually takes around 60 seconds to a few minutes, depending on the size of the foam.
• Ready: As soon as the floral foam is completely saturated with water, you can remove it from the container and integrate it into your arrangement.

Floral foam should be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. As it is made of plastic, it does not belong in organic waste. Instead, you should dispose of it as residual waste. In some municipalities, there are special collection centres for plastics or even recycling facilities. It is best to find out about the correct disposal methods from your local waste disposal centre.

Floral foam can only be reused to a limited extent. The classic green floral foam for fresh flowers loses its stability and water absorption capacity after the first use. It is therefore recommended to always use new floral foam for new projects to ensure the freshness and stability of the flower arrangements. Floral foam for dried flowers, on the other hand, can be used several times as long as it retains its structure.