Floral Industry Glossary

Master the terminology of the floral industry, from supply chain to design — our glossary covers key vocabulary across trade, auctions, logistics, and floristry.

Trade & Supply Chain

Aalsmeer Clock: The Dutch flower auction’s rapid descending-price bidding system — the global benchmark for fresh flower pricing.

Cold Chain: The temperature-controlled logistics system that keeps flowers fresh during transit, maintaining 2–6°C from farm to florist.

Cut Flower: Flowers and buds cut from the plant, used in bouquets and arrangements. Distinct from potted plants.

Kunming International Flora Auction (KIFA): China’s largest flower auction market, located in Kunming, Yunnan — the hub of Asian flower trading.

Floral Design

Floral Foam: Water-absorbent foam used to hold stems in place. A traditional material increasingly being phased out for environmental reasons.

Armature: The structural framework supporting a floral design, often made from wire, branches, or vines.

Ikenobo: Japan’s oldest school of ikebana (flower arranging), emphasising space, line, and harmony with nature.

Hand-tied Bouquet: A bouquet assembled using the spiral technique without floral foam — the most common bouquet style.