Floral foams are produced for two design situations. "Wet" foams are for fresh floral arrangements; they absorb water which is available to the flower stems. "Dry" foams are specifically for arranging silk, permanent, and dried flowers. These foams do not absorb water and will lead to total disaster if used with fresh flowers. The dry foams will be discussed later.

Wet foams are typically manufactured in two or more grades or densities. Standard foam has the broadest usage. It is a medium density foam for good support of the average flowers: roses, carnations, lilies, mums, etc. When heavier or larger stemmed flowers or taller arrangements are involved, the higher density foam will offer better support. On the other hand, soft and hollow stems of the typical spring bulb-type flowers are more easily inserted into a softer, lower density foam.

Foams are also manufactured with different water absorption rates. Regular foams can take 5-20 minutes to fully saturate with water. The proper soaking procedure is to allow the foam to free-float on the water surface. Air escapes from the foam top as the foam saturates from the bottom. Pushing the foam under the surface or running water over the foam top will result in poor wetting. As water enters all the surfaces, there is no path for the air to escape, and a dry spot will remain in the center. This will be disastrous for any flower stem placed in the dry zone. The fast-saturating types of foam will wet in 15_60 seconds without floating.

Most wet foams are colored green to help them blend with foliage in the arrangement and make concealment easier. But are also produced coloured foams in orchid, pink, blue, yellow, and white, which may offer advantages of harmony with the selected container or flowers.