Modelling and air-dry clays in dried flower arrangements: a professional and eco-friendly alternative to Florex floral foam

Florex (OASIS® floral foam) has been a staple in floristry for decades. In modern arrangements with dried flowers and natural materials, however, it is increasingly losing its relevance. It does not hold water, is single-use, environmentally problematic, and limits creativity. That is why more and more florists, arrangers, and designers are looking for professional, sustainable, and reusable solutions – including air-dry and modelling clays, as well as traditional techniques like the floral frog – stem divider.

Why Green Florex Doesn’t Make Sense for Dried Materials

• It is a single-use material with a high ecological impact
• Cutting and crumbling generates micro-waste
• With dried flowers it serves no functional purpose (cannot work with water)
• Determines the shape of the arrangement instead of supporting it
• Florex for dried flowers can be replaced by wire mesh or a half-sphere floral frog

With dried materials, we are not looking for hydration but for stability, stem distribution, balance, and visual harmony. All of this can be achieved without Florex – often more aesthetically.

Air-Dry Modelling Clays as a Professional Tool

Air-dry clays harden naturally in the air, without firing. In dried flower arrangements, they act as custom, precisely shaped structural elements that can be made to measure.

Practical Advantages

• Control over stem placement
• Reusable
• No waste after completing the arrangement
• Ability to create your own designer floristry tools

DIY Methods: Replacing Florex Step by Step

1. Circle with Holes (Most Practical Florex Replacement)

Shape a disc from clay to match the diameter of your vase or bowl. Make holes in the soft clay using a skewer or straw.

• Small holes – grasses, lagurus, limonium
• Larger holes – poppy pods, thistles, woody stems
• Different angles – more natural volume

Once dried, you get a firm divider that stabilizes the arrangement without additional filler.

2. Half-Sphere Mesh for the Vase

The half-sphere shape with holes is ideal for deeper vessels. It works as a spatial stem divider and allows airy arrangements.

3. Stem Divider for the Vase Neck

A thin plate placed on the vase opening stabilizes the arrangement without interfering with the interior. Perfect solution for minimalist interiors.

Floral Frog – Traditional Stem Divider in Modern Arrangements

Floral Frog (metal or ceramic hedgehog for stems) is a historic floristry tool now making a comeback in sustainable design.

Why It Works with Dried Materials

• Precise stem placement
• Reusable
• No waste
• Supports natural composition

You can use the floral frog alone or incorporate it into air-dry clay – creating a stable hybrid base for professional arrangements.

Impressing Dried Materials and Textures – Decorative Function of Clay

Press dried flowers, grasses, leaves, or grains into the soft clay. Relief bowls, bases, or decorative objects emerge, each carrying floristry value on its own.

Seasonal Professional Uses

Spring

• Delicate white bases
• Impressions of spring plants

Summer

• Boho arrangements with grasses
• Airy waterless vases

Autumn

• Terracotta bowls
• Poppy pods and dried fruits

Winter

• Advent bases without Florex
• Minimalist candle holders

The Future of Arranging Without Florex

The combination of air-dry clay, floral frog, and dried materials represents a modern, professional, and sustainable approach to arranging. Less waste, more control, more aesthetics, and a distinct personal style.

Florex was once essential. Today it is just one option – and the least necessary for dried flower arrangements.

Note: “Florex” is commonly used in floristry to refer to floral foam like OASIS®, which holds stems and water. For dried flowers and eco-friendly arrangements, florists increasingly prefer air-dry clay, wire grids, or the floral frog.