Is floral foam the same as Oasis?

Floral foam – those green blocks of sponge-like foam that is also known as Oasis – is much-loved by florists for it’s convenience.

What can I use instead of florist foam?

What are alternatives to floral foam?

  • Chicken Wire. Chicken wire has become one of the designer’s materials of choice and has been used for many years as an alternative to wet floral foam.
  • Flower Frogs.
  • Gravel rocks and pebbles.
  • Willow, rattan or pliable reeds.
  • Wood Wool.
  • Straw.
  • Water vials.
  • Flower Foliage.

What do florists use instead of Oasis?

Six Alternatives to Florist Foam. Insert stems into pebbles, sand, gravel or marbles placed in the bottom 1/4 or 1/3 of the vase. Use pliable twigs like curly willow to wrapped inside of the vase as a basket weave-like framework for your other flower stems.

How long do flowers last in Oasis foam?

After fully saturating the floral foam in water, (see the guide on how to soak floral foam) it can be placed in any type of waterproof container to your liking or used just the way it is after which you can start adorning it with fresh flowers. The fresh flowers will remain hydrated between seven to 10 days.

Why is florist foam bad?

Floral foam is made from two chemicals considered to be hazardous to humans: phenol and formaldehyde. These substances are mixed with non-hazardous substances to produce the final product.

Do you wet Oasis before putting flowers in?

Wet floral foam must be pre-soaked in water so it completely absorbs the water before any fresh flower stems are inserted, while dry foam is used with no water and is only for non fresh flowers (silk or dried flowers).

Can you reuse wet Oasis?

DO NOT REUSE OASIS. Once it has dried it will not absorb water correctly leaving many air pockets and also will have bacteria. Try not to reposition flowers once in oasis. This just creates holes in the oasis weakening it and the stem of the flower ends up with compacted oasis in it and will not take up water.

Do you wet oasis before putting flowers in?

Is floral foam cancerous?

Floral foam contains toxic elements, including formaldehyde, barium sulfates and carbon black. These elements are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure may cause cancer. Florists who come into repeated contact with floral foam are at the highest risk of side effects.

Why is Oasis so bad for the environment?

“What we do know is that it is not biodegradable – and that it contains known carcinogens.” The material itself is called phenol-formaldehyde foam, and it’s one of the oldest types of plastic. It’s made by reacting phenol and formaldehyde with each other to produce the plastic. Air is then added to turn it into foam.

How long should you soak Oasis before using it?

Lay the floral foam atop a basin of water and let it sink into the water by its own weight. Allow foam to fully saturate, approximately 2 minutes. Do not exceed 20 minutes. Soaked floral foam should be used within 1 to 2 weeks.