CFD Floral Care & Maintenance 3

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of using floral foam (oasis) in wet arrangements?

Accepted Answer

To continuously supply water and support stem placement

Answer

Wet floral foam holds water like a sponge and physically anchors stems, providing both hydration and mechanical support for arrangements.

Question 2

When soaking floral foam before use, which method is recommended to avoid air pockets that reduce water retention?

Accepted Answer

Allow the foam to float and sink naturally in a deep container

Answer

Allowing foam to sink at its own rate (passive soaking) lets water displace air uniformly, preventing dry air pockets inside the block.

Question 3

Which of the following flowers should NOT be stored with ethylene-sensitive blooms because it produces significant amounts of ethylene gas?

Accepted Answer

Gypsophila (baby's breath)

Answer

Gypsophila is a known ethylene producer; storing it near ethylene-sensitive flowers like carnations or roses accelerates their senescence.

Question 4

A client complains that delivered roses opened too quickly and wilted within two days. Which storage error most likely caused this?

Accepted Answer

Flowers were stored at too high a temperature (50–60°F)

Answer

Roses stored at temperatures above the ideal 34–38°F range respire faster, open prematurely, and have significantly shorter vase life.

Question 5

What does the term 'hardening' mean in the context of floral care?

Accepted Answer

Allowing conditioned flowers to rest in a cooler after initial water uptake

Answer

Hardening refers to the post-conditioning rest period in a cooler where flowers fully hydrate and turgidity is restored before arrangement.

(CFD) Certified Floral Designer Practice Test