Weekly Flowers · Flower Care

Caring for Flowers in Floral Foam

Arrangements designed in floral foam are easy to enjoy. The most important thing is to keep the foam moist and protect the flowers from heat, sun and ripening fruit.

Keep the Floral Foam Moist

Floral foam — often known by the brand name OASIS® — acts as the water source for your arrangement. Your flowers drink from the moisture held inside the foam, so it is important not to let it dry out completely.

Check your arrangement each day and add a little fresh water as needed. Pour slowly into an accessible area of the foam, taking care not to pour water over the flower heads.

Florist Tip: Add water slowly. Floral foam can hold a surprising amount of water, and pouring too quickly can cause the arrangement to overflow.

Protect Your Furniture

Foam arrangements may be designed in baskets, trays or decorative containers. Even when the container is made to hold water, there is always a possibility of splashing, overflowing or a small leak.

Whenever possible, place a waterproof plate, tray or protective surface underneath the arrangement — especially on wood, stone or other furniture that could be damaged by moisture.

Choose the Right Spot

Keep It CoolFlowers generally last longer in a comfortably cool area of your home.

Avoid Direct SunStrong sunlight can warm the arrangement and cause flowers to dehydrate more quickly.

Stay Away From HeatKeep arrangements away from fireplaces, radiators, heating vents and hot appliances.

Keep Away From Ripening FruitMany fruits release ethylene gas as they ripen. Ethylene can speed up aging and shorten the vase life of many cut flowers.

A Few Simple Care Rules

Check the foam every day.
Add fresh water slowly as needed.
Do not allow the floral foam to dry out completely.
Keep the arrangement away from direct sunlight and heat.
Keep it away from bowls of ripening fruit.
Protect the surface underneath the arrangement from possible moisture.

Keep the foam moist, keep the arrangement cool, keep it away from ripening fruit, and enjoy your flowers.

Every arrangement is different, so the amount of water it needs will depend on its size, container, flower varieties and the temperature of the room.