CFD Floral Materials & Tools 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'Spanish moss' botanically classified as, and how is it commonly used in floral design?
- A true moss used only in terrariums
- An air plant (bromeliad) used as a ground cover or filler in arrangements (Correct answer)
- A dried grass used in wreaths only
- A lichen used exclusively in dried designs
Correct answer: An air plant (bromeliad) used as a ground cover or filler in arrangements
Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) is actually a bromeliad epiphyte commonly used as decorative ground cover in arrangements and event décor.
Question 2: When working with tropical flowers like anthuriums, what special care must be designer take regarding cold storage?
- Store at 32°F (0°C) for maximum freshness
- Avoid temperatures below 55°F (13°C) to prevent chilling injury (Correct answer)
- Freeze briefly to harden the waxy spathe
- Store in direct sunlight to maintain color
Correct answer: Avoid temperatures below 55°F (13°C) to prevent chilling injury
Tropical flowers like anthuriums suffer chilling injury when stored below approximately 55°F, causing pitting, blackening, and accelerated decay.
Question 3: What is the function of a stem stripper in floral design?
- Removes the outer bark from woody branches
- Strips leaves from stems quickly to reduce bacterial contamination in water (Correct answer)
- Cuts stems at an angle automatically
- Measures stem length for uniform arrangements
Correct answer: Strips leaves from stems quickly to reduce bacterial contamination in water
A stem stripper quickly removes foliage from stems, which is important because submerged leaves decompose and promote bacteria that shorten vase life.
Question 4: Which type of floral tape is self-adhesive and activates only when stretched?
- Masking tape
- Parafilm (Correct answer)
- Cellophane tape
- Waterproof corsage tape
Correct answer: Parafilm
Parafilm is a stretchable self-sealing film that bonds to itself when stretched, making it ideal for wrapping corsage stems without adhesive residue.
Question 5: What distinguishes 'mechanics' from 'design elements' in floral arranging?
- Mechanics are decorative; design elements are structural
- Mechanics are the structural support systems; design elements are the visual components (Correct answer)
- Mechanics refer only to tools; design elements refer only to flowers
- Mechanics are temporary; design elements are permanent
Correct answer: Mechanics are the structural support systems; design elements are the visual components
Mechanics encompass all structural supports (foam, wire, tape, frogs) that hold an arrangement together, while design elements (line, form, color) govern its visual appearance.
Question 6: Which natural binding material is traditionally used in European-style hand-tied bouquets to secure the spiral stem bundle?
- Rubber band
- Raffia (Correct answer)
- Zip tie
- Staple wire
Correct answer: Raffia
Raffia, a natural palm fiber, is the traditional binding material for hand-tied bouquets, providing a clean, organic finish.
Question 7: What is 'woody stem treatment' and why is it applied before arranging branches?
- Painting stems with waterproof paint to prevent rot
- Crushing or splitting the base of woody stems to increase water uptake (Correct answer)
- Burning stem ends to prevent wilting
- Wrapping stems in wet newspaper for 24 hours
Correct answer: Crushing or splitting the base of woody stems to increase water uptake
Woody stems like lilac or forsythia benefit from crushing or splitting the cut end, which breaks the dense wood tissue and dramatically improves water absorption.
CFD Floral Materials & Tools 3
What is 'Spanish moss' botanically classified as, and how is it commonly used in floral design?