Plastic Stem-Holders in Flower Arranging
Plastic stem-holders have transformed flower arranging by allowing even short-stemmed blooms to be used creatively and securely. Lightweight, water-retentive, and easy to shape, they offer flexibility while maintaining a natural, elegant appearance in floral designs.
TL;DR
Plastic stem-holders such as OASIS and FLORAPAK securely support fresh or dried flowers while retaining moisture. Easily shaped and discreet, they allow creative use of short stems and must be carefully concealed using foliage or natural decorative materials for a professional finish.
Now in general use, plastic stem-holders are generally types of foamed urea. They are water-retentive and yielding. So long as stems are not too soft and sappy they will enter the plastic easily and be held firmly. Only a short portion of the stem need be inserted for it to be anchored, which means that quite short-stemmed flowers can be used in a number of attractive ways. Often they can be made to appear long-stemmed.
There are two main types used for fresh flowers, OASIS and FLORAPAK. The second holds water and should not need moistening every day although it should be checked from time to time. owns both absorbs and releases moisture more quickly and it should not be allowed to become dry. It holds its shape well, does not easily crumble and can be used outside the container.
It may also be used dry for arrangements of perpetuelles and all dried flowers. Both brands are available in the form of roughly brick-sized slabs which can he cut to shape as required. OASIS is also sold in the form of cylinders, so shaped and sized as to fit a number of useful cups, bowls, holders and other containers of various shapes, sizes and uses.
Obviously stem-holders should not be conspicuous. Wire netting inside a container is well masked but a pin-holder or a block of plastic might easily show. Fortunately, the means we use to hide these holders also add to the interest of the flower arrangement itself and can even be an important part of it.
Sometimes it may be necessary to do no more than arrange the largest flower in the group so low that it hides all trace of the holder from which it leans. Often, and this is a pretty method, a group of large leaves can be arranged like a little skirt around the base of taller stems.
One can also use a mossy stone or two, a group of shells, some driftwood, fruits, a whole plant or any natural material which seems to have an affinity with the particular flowers or materials being used.
“A good flower arrangement hides its mechanics so completely that only beauty is seen.”
More Information On Plastic Stem-holders In Flower Arranging
Plastic stem-holders, commonly made from foamed urea, are now a standard tool in fresh and dried flower arranging. Their soft yet supportive structure allows stems to be inserted easily and held firmly in place, provided the material is not overly soft or sappy. Because only a short length of stem needs to be anchored, even short-stemmed flowers can be used to create arrangements that appear tall and graceful. Two of the most widely used types are OASIS and FLORAPAK. FLORAPAK is slower to release moisture and usually requires less frequent checking, though it should still be monitored to ensure it remains damp. OASIS absorbs and releases water more quickly and must never be allowed to dry out, but it holds its shape exceptionally well and resists crumbling. This makes it suitable for use both inside and outside containers. OASIS may also be used dry for arrangements of perpetuelles and other dried flowers. Both products are generally sold in brick-sized blocks that can be cut and shaped to fit a wide variety of containers. OASIS is also available in cylindrical forms designed to fit snugly into cups, bowls, and specialised holders, offering even greater versatility. A stem-holder should never draw attention to itself. While wire netting inside a container is easily concealed, plastic blocks and pin-holders require thoughtful disguising. Fortunately, the materials used to hide them can enhance the arrangement’s beauty. A low-placed focal flower may conceal the holder entirely, or large leaves can be arranged around the base like a decorative skirt. Natural materials such as mossy stones, shells, driftwood, fruits, or even whole plants can also be used. When chosen to complement the flowers, these elements not only hide the mechanics but become an integral part of the overall design.
About the author
Rupert Foxton-Smythe is a seasoned horticulturist and avid plant enthusiast with over three decades of experience in the field of botany. As a leading expert at Houseplant Guru, Rupert brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for all things green.
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