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GUIDE

The 4 Golden Rules

To keep flowers fresh for as long as possible, wet floral foam must be soaked correctly. Even small mistakes can affect the water supply to the flowers. Follow these four simple principles when soaking floral foam to achieve optimal results and long-lasting floral arrangements.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

How to Soak Floral Foam Properly

STEP 1

01 Richtig wässern Schritt 1

Fill a Bowl with Fresh Water

Choose a container large enough for the foam to be fully submerged and fill it with fresh, clean water. Ideally, the water temperature should be around 18°C (64°F).

EXTRA TIP: Add FloraLife® Flower Food to the water at the recommended ratio right from the start to help keep your flowers fresh for even longer.

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STEP 2

02 Richtig wässern Schritt 2

Place the Floral Foam on the Water Surface – Do Not Push It Down

Simply place the floral foam on the surface of the water.

Do not push the floral foam down and make sure to avoid turning it over. Doing so can cause the outer cells of the floral foam to become saturated too quickly, preventing the air inside from escaping properly. As a result, a dry core may remain inside the foam. Later, this dry area will not supply water to the flowers and may even draw moisture away from them, causing them to wilt more quickly.

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STEP 3

03 Richtig wässern Schritt 3

Wait 90 Seconds – Then Use It

The floral foam will absorb water on its own and gradually sink below the surface. For a standard brick, this takes only about 90 seconds. This allows all trapped air to escape completely. As a result, there are no dry spots inside the foam, ensuring that every flower receives a consistent water supply.

The floral foam is then ready to use immediately.

AI Generated

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE


How to Soak Floral Foam Properly

STEP 1

01 Richtig Wässern Schritt 1

Fill a Bowl with Fresh Water

Choose a container large enough for the foam to be fully submerged and fill it with fresh, clean water. Ideally, the water temperature should be around 18°C (64°F).

EXTRA TIP: Add FloraLife® Flower Food to the water at the recommended ratio right from the start to help keep your flowers fresh for even longer.

AI Generated


STEP 2

02 Richtig Wässern Schritt 2

Place the Floral Foam on the Water Surface – Do Not Push It Down

Simply place the floral foam on the surface of the water.

Do not push the floral foam down and make sure to avoid turning it over. Doing so can cause the outer cells of the floral foam to become saturated too quickly, preventing the air inside from escaping properly. As a result, a dry core may remain inside the foam. Later, this dry area will not supply water to the flowers and may even draw moisture away from them, causing them to wilt more quickly.

AI Generated


STEP 3

03 Richtig Wässern Schritt 3

Wait 90 Seconds – Then Use It

The floral foam will absorb water on its own and gradually sink below the surface. For a standard brick, this takes only about 90 seconds. This allows all trapped air to escape completely. As a result, there are no dry spots inside the foam, ensuring that every flower receives a consistent water supply.

The floral foam is then ready to use immediately.

AI Generated

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Everything You Need for Perfect Results

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EXPERT KNOWLEDGE

The 5 Most Common Mistakes – And How to Avoid Them


Using the correct technique when soaking floral foam is essential. Avoid these common mistakes to achieve optimal, long-lasting results.



MISTAKE 1

Not Using Fresh Water

Contaminated water can encourage bacterial growth and may damage delicate flowers.




✓Always use clean, fresh water for the best results.



MISTAKE 2

Not Cleaning the Container Before Soaking

Dirty containers promote bacterial growth and can reduce the lifespan of your flowers.



✓
Clean the soaking container thoroughly and regularly.



MISTAKE 3

Pushing Floral Foam Under Water

Submerging the floral foam can trap air inside, preventing flowers from receiving an optimal water supply.


✓Place the floral foam on the water surface and allow it to absorb water naturally.



MISTAKE 4

Turning the Floral Foam While Soaking

Turning or flipping the floral foam while soaking can also trap air inside the foam.



✓
Place the floral foam on the water surface and allow it to absorb water naturally.



MISTAKE 5

Soaking from Multiple Sides at the Same Time

Soaking the floral foam from multiple sides simultaneously (e.g. by pouring additional water over the top) can trap air inside the foam.

✓Place the floral foam on the water surface and allow it to absorb water naturally.

EXPERT KNOWLEDGE

The 5 Most Common Mistakes – And How to Avoid Them

Using the correct technique when soaking floral foam is essential. Avoid these common mistakes to achieve optimal, long-lasting results.

Not Using Fresh Water

MISTAKE 1 Not Using Fresh Water

Contaminated water can encourage bacterial growth and may damage delicate flowers.

✓ Always use clean, fresh water.

Clean the Container Before Soaking

MISTAKE 2 Not Cleaning the Container Before Soaking

Dirty containers promote bacterial growth and can reduce the lifespan of your flowers.

✓ Clean the soaking container thoroughly and regularly.

Pushing Floral Foam Under Water

MISTAKE 3 Pushing Floral Foam Under Water

Submerging the floral foam can trap air inside. As a result, flowers may not receive an optimal water supply.

✓ Allow the floral foam to absorb water naturally.

Turning Floral Foam While Soaking

MISTAKE 4 Turning Floral Foam While Soaking

Turning or flipping the floral foam while soaking can also trap air inside the foam.

✓ Allow the floral foam to absorb water naturally.

Soaking Floral Foam from Multiple Sides at the Same Time

MISTAKE 5 Soaking Floral Foam from Multiple Sides at the Same Time

Soaking the floral foam from multiple sides simultaneously (for example by pouring water over the top) can trap air inside the foam.

✓ Allow the floral foam to absorb water naturally.

PROFESSIONAL TIPS


Special Cases When Soaking Floral Foam


Special products require special techniques

How to Properly Soak Floral Foam Products with a Fixed Base

How to Soak Floral Foam Products with a Fixed Base Properly


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How to Properly Soak Large Floral Foam Products

Soaking Large Floral Foam Products


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Große Steckschaum-Sonderformen richtig wässern

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Sonderwissen...?


Große Steckschaumformen und Steckschaum mit Unterlagen benötigen beim Wässern etwas zusätzliche Aufmerksamkeit. 

Bei Steckschaumprodukten mit fest verbundenen Kunststoff-, Karton-, Holz- oder Hartschaumunterlagen kann die Luft durch die geschlossene Unterseite im Steckschaum nicht wie gewohnt entweichen. Wird das Produkt falsch gewässert, kann die Steckmasse Wasser nicht vollständig aufnehmen. 

Mit den richtigen Tipps schaffen Sie jedoch die ideale Grundlage für langlebige florale Kreationen.


PROFESSIONAL TIPS

Special Cases When Soaking Floral Foam

Special products require special techniques

How to Properly Soak Floral Foam Products with a Fixed Base

How to Properly Soak Floral Foam Products with a Fixed Base

Learn More

AI Generated

How to Properly Soak Large Floral Foam Products

How to Properly Soak Large Floral Foam Products

Learn More

AI Generated

Sonderwissen...?


Große Steckschaumformen und Steckschaum mit Unterlagen benötigen beim Wässern etwas zusätzliche Aufmerksamkeit. 

Bei Steckschaumprodukten mit fest verbundenen Kunststoff-, Karton-, Holz- oder Hartschaumunterlagen kann die Luft durch die geschlossene Unterseite im Steckschaum nicht wie gewohnt entweichen. Wird das Produkt falsch gewässert, kann die Steckmasse Wasser nicht vollständig aufnehmen. 

Mit den richtigen Tipps schaffen Sie jedoch die ideale Grundlage für langlebige florale Kreationen.


PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE

How to Properly Soak Floral Foam with a Fixed Base

With floral foam products permanently attached to plastic, cardboard, wood, or rigid foam bases, air cannot escape through the bottom of the floral foam as it normally would. If the product is soaked incorrectly, the floral foam may not absorb water completely. With the right technique, however, you can create the ideal foundation for long-lasting floral designs.


EXPERT TIP: SOAK VERTICALLY

AI Generated

1
Prepare a Suitable Container
Use a sufficiently large container and fill it with clean water. For optimal results, FloraLife® Flower Food can be added at the recommended dosage.
Add Flower Food to Water
2
Place the Product Vertically in Water
Hold the floral foam upright and slowly immerse it into the water with the open side first. This allows air to escape and helps the floral foam absorb water evenly.
Place Floral Foam Vertically in Water
NOTE
Do not soak the product with the base facing upward on the water surface. This prevents air from escaping and may stop the floral foam from becoming fully saturated.
Do Not Soak with Base Facing Upward
3
Allow the Foam to Absorb Water
Allow the floral foam to absorb water naturally until it is completely saturated.
Allow Floral Foam to Fully Saturate
4
Use
The product can be used immediately after soaking.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE

How to Properly Soak Floral Foam with a Fixed Base


With floral foam products permanently attached to plastic, cardboard, wood, or rigid foam bases, air cannot escape through the bottom of the floral foam as it normally would. If the product is soaked incorrectly, the floral foam may not absorb water completely. With the right technique, however, you can create the ideal foundation for long-lasting floral designs.


EXPERT TIP: SOAK VERTICALLY

AI Generated

1
Prepare a Suitable Container
Use a container that is large enough and fill it with clean water. For optimal results, add FloraLife® Flower Food at the recommended dosage.

Add Flower Food to the Water
2
Place the Product Vertically into the Water
Hold the floral foam upright and slowly immerse it into the water with the open side facing down. This allows trapped air to escape and helps the floral foam absorb water evenly.
Place Floral Foam Vertically into the Water
NOTE
Do not soak the product with the base facing upward on the water surface. This prevents air from escaping properly and may stop the floral foam from becoming fully saturated with water.


Do Not Soak Floral Foam with the Base Facing Upward
3
Allow the Foam to Absorb Water
Allow the floral foam to absorb water naturally until it is completely saturated.
Allow Floral Foam to Become Fully Saturated
4
Use the Product
The product is ready to use immediately after soaking.

How to Properly Soak Large Floral Foam Products


A sufficiently large container is not always available for soaking oversized floral foam products using the standard method. In these situations, there are two proven techniques that help ensure even water absorption throughout larger shapes.


PROVEN METHODS

IDEAL FOR LARGE RINGS & WREATHS
OPTION A

Soak Section by Section


Soaking a Large Floral Foam Ring Section by Section

✓ Fill the container with fresh water
✓ Optionally add FloraLife® Flower Food
✓ Place the product upright in the container
✓ Allow each section to become fully saturated with water
✓ Slowly rotate the product further
✓ Repeat until the entire product is fully soaked



IDEAL FOR LARGE SPECIALTY SHAPES
OPTION B

Slow Pouring Method


Gradually Soaking a Large Floral Foam Specialty Shape
✓ Fill the container with fresh water
✓ Optionally add FloraLife® Flower Food
✓ Place the product on a waterproof surface
✓ Start at one edge of the floral foam
✓ Pour water very slowly and evenly over the surface to prevent dry spots in the floral foam
✓ Continue step by step across the entire product

How to Properly Soak Large Floral Foam Products


PROVEN METHODS

A sufficiently large container is not always available for soaking oversized floral foam products using the standard method. In these situations, there are two proven techniques that help ensure even water absorption throughout larger shapes.


OPTION A

Soak Section by Section

IDEAL FOR LARGE RINGS & WREATHS
Soaking a Large Floral Foam Ring Section by Section
✓ Fill the container with fresh water
✓ Optionally add FloraLife® Flower Food
✓ Place the product upright in the container
✓ Allow each section to absorb water naturally
✓ Slowly rotate the product further
✓ Repeat until the entire product is fully soaked
OPTION B

Slow Pouring Method

IDEAL FOR LARGE SPECIALTY SHAPES
Slowly Soaking Large Floral Foam Specialty Shapes
✓ Fill a container with fresh water
✓ Optionally add FloraLife® Flower Food
✓ Place the product on a waterproof surface
✓ Start at one edge of the floral foam
✓ Pour water very slowly and evenly over the surface
✓ Continue step by step across the entire product

CATEGORY


Which Floral Foam Is Right for Your Project?

The perfect solution for every occasion.

Fresh Floral Foam

Discover

© Blooms

SEC Dry Floral Foam

Discover

© Blooms

NEW

OASIS® Renewal® Floral Foam

Discover

© Blooms

CATEGORY

Which Floral Foam Is Right for Your Project?

The perfect solution for every occasion.

OASIS® Fresh Floral Foam

OASIS® Fresh Floral Foam

Discover

© Blooms

OASIS® SEC Dry Floral Foam

OASIS® SEC Dry Floral Foam

Discover

© Blooms

OASIS® Renewal® Floral Foam
NEW

OASIS® Renewal® Floral Foam

Discover

© Blooms

Fresh Floral Foam

Entdecken

© Blooms

SEC Dry Floral Foam

Entdecken

© Blooms

NEU

OASIS® Renewal® Floral Foam

Entdecken

© Blooms

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

FAQs

Answers to the most common questions about properly soaking floral foam.

A standard OASIS® floral foam brick takes only about 90 seconds to become fully saturated with water. Once saturated, it provides a reliable water supply to help keep the flowers in your arrangement fresh for longer. Larger floral foam shapes and blocks may require additional time. As soon as the floral foam has absorbed water on its own and sinks below the water surface, it is ready to use.

Yes. Wet floral foam can be rewatered regularly during use to ensure that flowers continue to receive an adequate water supply. For best results, carefully add water to the container or tray using a watering can.

Yes. Whenever possible, always use fresh, clean water when soaking floral foam. This helps reduce bacterial contamination and creates optimal conditions for supplying water to your flowers later on.

Fresh water is especially important when soaking larger quantities of floral foam. If many floral foam products are soaked in the same water over an extended period, the water quality can deteriorate and the pH level may drop. As a result, the water can become too acidic for sensitive flower varieties.

In unfavorable cases, damage to stems or blooms may occur. In the floristry industry, this phenomenon is known as “stem burning.” Using fresh water helps prevent such quality issues and can improve flower longevity.

Professional Tip: Clean soaking containers regularly and use fresh water for each new soaking process. This helps ensure optimal results and supports the freshness of your floral designs.

No. Wet floral foam should not be reused once it has already been used in an arrangement. Bacterial growth and a reduced water-holding capacity can negatively affect the performance of the foam and shorten the lifespan of fresh flowers. For the best results and maximum flower freshness, always use new floral foam for each arrangement.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

FAQs

Answers to the most common questions about properly soaking floral foam.

A standard OASIS® floral foam brick takes only about 90 seconds to become fully saturated with water. Once saturated, it provides a reliable water supply to help keep the flowers in your arrangement fresh for longer. Larger floral foam shapes and blocks may require additional time. As soon as the floral foam has absorbed water on its own and sinks below the water surface, it is ready to use.

Yes. Wet floral foam can be rewatered regularly during use to ensure that flowers continue to receive an adequate water supply. For best results, carefully add water to the container or tray using a watering can.

Yes. Whenever possible, always use fresh, clean water when soaking floral foam. This helps reduce bacterial contamination and creates optimal conditions for supplying water to your flowers later on.

Fresh water is especially important when soaking larger quantities of floral foam. If many floral foam products are soaked in the same water over an extended period, the water quality can deteriorate and the pH level may drop. As a result, the water can become too acidic for sensitive flower varieties.

In unfavorable cases, damage to stems or blooms may occur. In the floristry industry, this phenomenon is known as “stem burning.” Using fresh water helps prevent such quality issues and can improve flower longevity.

Professional Tip: Clean soaking containers regularly and use fresh water for each new soaking process. This helps ensure optimal results and supports the freshness of your floral designs.

No. Wet floral foam should not be reused once it has already been used in an arrangement. Bacterial growth and a reduced water-holding capacity can negatively affect the performance of the foam and shorten the lifespan of fresh flowers. For the best results and maximum flower freshness, always use new floral foam for each arrangement.