StemGrabber Foam

StemGrabber styrofoam is a special density styrofoam that is a less expensive substitute for the common green "crispy" styrofoam. It is available in extra large sizes making it ideal for setting ficus trees and other large artificial plants. Because of the special density, StemGrabber styrofoam cells have a better "memory" than the common green styrofoam. That is, when you push a stem or tree trunk into it and then find that you need to pull it back out for some reason, the styrofoam cells expand to close the hole a bit. You will find that it will hold the stem or tree trunk quite well even when you push it back into the same hole again. Holes in green "crispy" styrofoam do not close back up like this, instead they stay at whatever size the stem originally made. Available in styrofoam blocks, styrofoam sheets, styrofoam wreaths and styrofoam round disc circles.

If you have ever transported a large plant or tree that has been set in green styrofoam, then you know how the hole elongates and loses its grip as it bounces back and forth in the truck. Even if it arrives intact, your customer will need to move it around from time to time for cleaning and vacuuming. What will they do when they find that the plant has become loose in the container? Will they be likely to give you referrals or repeat sales? L

If you normally use the green "crispy" styrofoam, you will find there are characteristics of StemGrabber styrofoam that require slightly different techniques. It is different, but it's these unique differences that make it so great. Once you learn how to use it you will love the way it works.

First, it's best to cut StemGrabber styrofoam with a hot wire cutter. This makes a nice clean cut with no mess. The stock sizes listed below can be cut to length as needed for various size containers. One cut and it's ready to go.

Second, the stem should be pointed on the end -or- your assembler should use a pointed object to make a "pilot" hole. Imagine pushing a ball point pen into a block of styrofoam. If you push the rounded end in first, the spongy cell beads will try to push it back out. On the other hand, if you push the pointed end in first, the cell beads move to the side and then squeeze back around the shaft to hold it tightly in place. If you normally attach floral picks to your stems they will insert easily and hold perfectly. Otherwise, an ice pick or a phillips screwdriver can be used to make a pilot hole. Some assemblers use StemGrabber styrofoam to set natural wood trees by chopping the end of the trunk to make it pointed. A styrofoam block of suitable length is cut from a 7" or 8" stick (see below) and wedged and/or glued into the container. click here for Styrofoam Glue Tip: add stones in around the styrofoam block for extra weight. The wooden trunk is pushed into the styrofoam and then the whole assembly is covered with Natural or American Moss. Quick and Easy!!!

Another application is to cut two styrofoam blocks 4-6" long and glue them into a ledge basket using hot glue or our construction grade styrofoam glue click here for Styrofoam Glue. Take two medium size silk plants (180 leaves each or more) and slice some of the plastic off the end of the stalk with a utility knife to make the ends more pointed. (You can skip this step and still get excellent results if you make a pilot hole first.) Push one plant into each styrofoam block, cover with moss and shape them out.

Some designers like to cut off some of the plant's stalk to get a lower profile. This makes the plant look fuller. Our chop saws and bolt cutters make cutting those stiff, internal wires a snap. click here for the cutters Although the stalk will be rather blunt after you cut it, simply use a phillips screwdriver or other pointed object to make a pilot hole before inserting it into the styrofoam. Push the screwdriver into the styrofoam and rotate the handle in a 2-3" circle and pull it back out. The stalk will then slide in like butter and be held tight.

Tip: Before pushing the stalk into the styrofoam, add a dab of hot glue to the end of it to provide lubrication and a more permanent bond. J

* Discounts for StemGrabber styrofoam orders for sizes listed in the following chart:

Size	Packed	Price / box	w/15% discount	Used for...
2" x 8" x 16"	16 to a box	$13.75	$11.69	filler, floral arrangements and swags
3" x 3" x 16"	25 to a box	$12.25	$10.41	small containers and ledge baskets
4" x 4" x 16"	16 to a box	$13.75	$11.69	medium containers and ledge baskets
7" x 7" x 16"	4 to a box	$11.00	$9.35	small trees up to about 5'
8" x 8" x 16"	4 to a box	$13.75	$11.69	larger trees or double trunks
3" x 2" x 16"	40 to a box	$13.00	$11.05	Wedgers^®see tip below^*
1" x 16" x 16"	16 to a box	$13.75	$11.69	Packing Sheets - simply break to size

(*Wedgers Tip: the 3" x 2" x 16" wedge sticks can be used to secure an inner pot or inner styrofoam block into the final container.

Simply "snap off" a piece of suitable length and push it into the space between the inner assembly and the outside container.

Because of the "springy" action of the styrofoam cells, the inner pot or styrofoam block will be held securely in the container.

It's quick and easy. You can also add some of our Styrofoam Glue to make the installation more permanent.)

For custom cuts of wreaths, discs, blocks and others not listed above please E-Mail us with your specifications.

To calculate cost for "custom cuts" of StemGrabber styrofoam multiply $.004 times the cubic inches.

Example: for a 6" x 6" x 16" block, multiply 6 x 6 x 16 to get the cubic inches (576) then multiply that by $.004 giving $2.30 each.

Note: For the best shipping rates we recommend ordering sizes that will fit in a 16" x 16" x 16" box.

E-Mail For custom cuts. Send the size and quantity needed including your zip code and we will reply with the total including styrofoam cost, box, shipping and any special cutting charges. (wreaths and discs are extra)

StemGrabber styrofoam is only available in white. However, by the time it's installed in the basket and covered with moss it will not be seen and the color really should not matter. On the other hand, you can paint it any color you like using common, inexpensive latex paint.

If you are not familiar with this kind of styrofoam, it is similar to the material used to make white styrofoam coffee cups. However, the cell density has been engineered to make it more suitable for the needs of the floral industry. If you need a sample, E-Mail us and we'll send it out.

(Note: you can special order StemGrabber styrofoam in extra soft or extra hard densities)