Guide to Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Floral Foam
Floral foam (commonly known by the brand name Oasis) has long been a staple in flower arranging, but it's essentially non-biodegradable plastic that crumbles into microplastics. Fortunately, there are several excellent alternatives that are both sustainable and effective for creating beautiful bouquets and arrangements.
The Best Alternative: Chicken Wire
Chicken wire is widely considered the gold standard replacement for floral foam. It's reusable, recyclable, affordable, and works beautifully for most arrangements.
Why Chicken Wire Works
Chicken wire creates a supportive grid structure that holds stems securely in place while allowing water to circulate freely around the stems. Unlike foam, it doesn't restrict water uptake and can be used indefinitely.
How to Use Chicken Wire
For vase arrangements:
Cut a piece of chicken wire roughly 1.5 times the width of your vase opening
Crumple it loosely into a ball or dome shape that fits snugly in the top third of your vase
Secure it with waterproof floral tape across the vase rim if needed
Fill the vase with water
Insert stems through the wire mesh at your desired angles—the wire will grip and support them
For hand-tied bouquets: You don't need any mechanics at all. Simply spiral the stems in your hand, binding them together at one point with twine or raffia. This traditional technique creates naturally beautiful, organic arrangements.
Tips for Success with Chicken Wire
Use wire with smaller holes (around 1 inch/2.5cm) for better stem support
Fold sharp edges inward to avoid scratching yourself or the vase
Layer two pieces if you need extra support for heavy blooms
Clean and dry the wire after each use to prevent rust
Other Excellent Alternatives
Pin Frogs (Kenzan)
These heavy metal bases with upright pins are a Japanese ikebana tradition. They're perfect for shallow dishes and minimalist arrangements. Simply place the pin frog at the bottom of your vessel, add water, and impale stems onto the pins. They last forever and work beautifully for architectural, modern designs.
Floral Tape Grid
Create a supportive grid by stretching waterproof floral tape across the vase opening in a hashtag pattern. This works well for smaller arrangements and allows you to control exactly where each stem goes. It's disposable but uses minimal materials.
Natural Alternatives
Twigs and branches: Create a natural framework inside your vase using woody stems
Moss: Wet sphagnum moss can cushion and support stems in shallow containers
Sand or pebbles: Add weight and stability to vases while supporting stems upright
Reusable Floral Frogs
Modern companies now make silicone or stainless steel grids designed to sit in vase openings. These are excellent for repeated use and come in various sizes.
Building Your Sustainable Flower Practice
Start with what you have. You likely already own vases, jars, or containers that work perfectly without any mechanics. For loose, garden-style arrangements, simply fill the vessel and let stems find their natural positions.
Invest in quality reusables. A few pieces of chicken wire and a couple of pin frogs will cover most of your arranging needs for years to come.
Embrace the natural aesthetic. Arrangements without foam often have a more organic, effortless beauty. Stems can drink freely, extend the life of your flowers, and create movement that feels alive rather than rigidly structured.
Consider the vessel. Narrow-necked vases, bottles, and containers with built-in support require no additional mechanics. Cluster several small vessels together for impact.
The Bottom Line
Chicken wire is your most versatile, practical, and eco-friendly alternative to floral foam for the majority of arrangements. It requires a slight learning curve, but most florists find it actually gives them more creative control once they're accustomed to it. Combined with hand-tied bouquet techniques and thoughtful vessel selection, you can create stunning, sustainable arrangements that are better for both your flowers and the planet.
