Abstract: A method for the propagation of and aeroponic growing of plants comprises transplanting a living plant into a vessel of polymer foam having at least one cavity distal to the plant; applying water to the foam sufficient to saturate the foam, whereby roots of the plant extend into and grow within the cavity.

Abstract: A horticultural growing medium comprises a polyisocyanate-polyol-based polymer, and at least one filler material. A method of making a horticultural growing medium comprises the steps of mixing at least one filler material with a polyisocyanate-polyol-based quasi-prepolymer composition, to form a quasi-prepolymer/filler mixture and applying water to the quasi-prepolymer/filler mixture to form a hydrophilic growing medium. A method of growing plant seedlings comprising planting a seed or seedling in a horticultural growing medium containing a hydrophilic polyisocyanate-polyol-based polymer and at least one filler material, is also disclosed. A hydrophilic urethane polymer comprises the reaction product of a quasi-prepolymer and water wherein the quasi-prepolymer contains an isocyanate and a hydrophilic polyol.

Abstract: A novel and improved method for relieving hydrophobicity of peat moss, bark and rockwool used in horticultural media for plant propagation using an effective level of a composition consisting of certain copolymerized alkane oxides as described. A more effective method of delivering these materials based on a composition of hydrous, amorphous silica using the compositions of the present invention is described.

Abstract: A transportable floral holder in the nature of a wettable floral foam mass received within a water impervious shell, or sheath. The floral foam mass serves as a reservoir as well as a coupling device. The shell not only circumscribes the floral foam reservoir but also has oppositely disposed, open first and second ends. The open first end serves primarily to permit the cut stem bearing buds, blossoms and/or leaves to be inserted into a first implanting area of the floral foam mass so that the cut stem is provided with access to moisture that will extend the life of the attached buds, blossoms and/or leaves.

Abstract: A novel and improved method for relieving hydrophobicity of peat moss, bark and rockwool used in horticultural media for plant propagation using an effective level of a composition consisting of certain copolymerized alkane oxides is described. A more effective method of delivering these materials based on a composition of hydrous, amorphous silica using the compositions of the present invention is described.

Abstract: A floral support assembly for presenting a display of fresh cut flowers. Floral foam is bonded to a backing to define a pre-shaped configuration. Moisture barrier means, preferably in the form of ambient air spaces, separate the floral foam into adjacent segments of predetermined dimensions, in at least the vertical direction. The barrier spaces have a predetermined width sufficient to prevent floral preservative solution from bridging between adjacent segments when the floral foam support assembly is inclined with respect to a horizontal frame of reference. The preferred method by which to saturate the aforesaid assembly with a floral preservative solution requires a container. At least a sufficient volume of the preservative solution is placed in the container to saturate the foam segments on whatever number of support assemblies are to be simultaneously processed. The support assemblies are then floated in the solution with the foam segments facing the solution.

Abstract: A floral container (10, 110) is manufactured to have an internal chamber (30, 135) which serves as a fluid reservoir. The chamber (30, 135) is essentially closed to the environment. A cavity (20, 130) is recessed into the container (10, 110) and opens to receive a block of floral foam (32, 138) which is capable of supporting an arrangement of cut flowers. One or more ports (33, 139) are provided to permit facile filling of the chamber (30, 135) with fluid (31, 136). A plug means (32, 34 or 37) may be provided selectively to seal the ports (33, 139). One or more slots (35, 140) are provided between the chamber (30, 135) and the cavity (20, 130) to accommodate a wick (36, 141). The wick (36, 141) extends into the chamber (30, 135) and beneath the level of the fluid (31, 136) therein. Capillary action transports water along the wick (36, 141) which extends through the slot ( 35, 140) and into the cavity (20, 130). The wick (36, 141) is preferably impregnated with a floral preservative.

Abstract: A novel tissue culture assembly (10) which employs a tray (11) that presents one or more cavities (12) opening upwardly through a web sheet (13). A unique growing medium (25) is received in each cavity (12) and comprises a mixture of granulated foam (26) and pulverized gel (28). A membrane (35) spans the opening of each cavity and is secured to the tray (11). An aperture (36) pierces the membrane (35) at approximately the central portion of the cavity opening, or mouth (17), and the sides (38) of the aperture (35) engage a propagule (40) inserted through the aperture to support the propagule. The base (19) of each cavity (12) is provided with an aperture (20) by which selected fluids may gain ingress and egress with respect to the cavity. A domed cover (60) may be removably secured to the tray (11).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to means for demountably securing the housing (3) of a container for presenting decorative items to a smooth surface irrespective of its inclination. A rubber suction cup (12) is operatively attached to the bottom of the container housing (3), and a pin (11) is secure to, and extends upwardly from, the central, distortable, portion of the cup (12). The pin (11) is axially translatable within a sleeve guide (4) mounted behind the cup (12) on the housing (3). At least one thrust rod (6) is translatable radially with respect to the pin (11) and slideably received within a pair of aligned slots (5 & 13) which penetrate the pin (11) and sleeve guide (4), respectively. The thrust rod (6) presents an obliquely inclined camming surface (9) which engages the slot (13) such that radial translation of the thrust rod (6) effects axial translation of the pin (11) to actuate the vacuum cup (12 ). The camming surface (9) does not interact with slot (13).