How To Use Water Beads For Plants

Orbeez for plants, also known as gel beads, crystal water beads, or hydrogel beads, have become popular compared to traditional potting soil or other growing mediums.

The absorbent polymer beads retain large amounts of water, reducing the frequency of watering needed for many plant roots. Their slow, consistent release of water mimics the natural absorption of soil rather than your plants sitting in standing water.

Water plant beads are handy for potted plants and gardens in hot climates where water evaporates. They can extend the time between waterings, saving you effort. Water beads are also lightweight and create a well-aerated growing environment for plants that thrive in water.

In our guide, you can learn about how to use water beads for plants and the few downsides you can face when using water balls for plants. By the end, you’ll better understand growing plants in water beads. (Read Does Epsom Salt Kill Weeds)

What are Plant Water Beads?

Water beads are small, jelly-like beads made from a highly absorbent material, sodium polyacrylate polymer. When you place them in water, they absorb many times their weight.

The polymer material is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. However, some beads contain dyes, fragrances, and other additives, so get unscented, dye-free beads for use with edible plants.

The beads release absorbed water slowly as they shrink to their original size. This provides a consistent supply of moisture to plant roots. Orbeez and InstaSnow are two examples of brand names for water beads. They may also be marketed as water crystals, gel crystals, or hydrogels. (Read Do Strawberries Need A Lot Of Water)

Pros and Cons of Using Water Beads for Houseplants

Using water beads for houseplants and gardens has some notable advantages and a few disadvantages to consider:

Pros

Water gel beads for plants offer several benefits:

• High Water Retention – The superabsorbent polymer can absorb hundreds of times its weight in water. This reduces the need for frequent watering.
• Aeration – Water beads provide space between soil particles for better airflow to roots.
• Aesthetically Pleasing – Clear beads mixed into potting soil create a visually appealing, sparkling effect. You can also change the color of the beads to add a decorative accent.
• Reduced Compaction – Water beads help lighten and aerate dense soils that compact over time.

Cons

While there are many benefits of water beads, plants do face some cons of using water beads:

• Can’t Be Cleaned – Excess salts and minerals can build up on beads over time, but they can’t be rinsed off.
• Lack of Nutrients – Beads provide only water and no nutrition. Water-soluble fertilizer must be added.
• Lightweight – Pots using water beads are lightweight and may tip over if bumped.
• Temperature Sensitive – Beads can break down over time with excess heat or freezing temperatures.

Now that we’ve weighed the pros and cons let’s look at which types of plants grow best when you’re using water beads.

What Types of Plants Grow in Water Beads?

While water beads can be used alone or combined with potting soil for many plants, choose plants that thrive better than others.

The best plants for water beads include:

1. Wandering Jew

This trailing vine is easy to grow and propagates quickly from cuttings placed directly in beads. The Wandering Jew needs consistently moist soil that water beads provide perfectly.

2. Arrowhead Vine

Also called Arrowhead Plant or Nephthytis, this houseplant does well in water beads. It enjoys the moisture while still getting good air circulation to the roots.

3. Peace Lily

Peace Lilies come from tropical origins. The Peace Lily is a one-of-a-kind flower that thrives in the humid environment provided by gel beads.

4. English Ivy

English Ivy can grow in water beads or a combination of beads and potting soil. The moisture retention of the beads complements its thirsty growth habit.

5. Lucky Bamboo

Lucky Bamboo’s shallow water roots adapt well to hydroponic growing mediums like water beads. Use either clear or colored beads for visual interest.

6. Caladium

The big, heart-shaped leaves of Caladium require constant moisture that water beads provide. Mix beads with potting soil for this tropical bulb.

7. Chinese Evergreen

This easy-to-grow houseplant stays lush and green when grown in beads. Let the top inch of beads dry out between waterings.

Those are a few top options for using water beads with indoor plants. Any plants that enjoy staying evenly moist are good candidates. Next, we’ll look at plant care and to use of water beads for potted plants step-by-step.

How You Grow Potted Plants in Water Beads

Growing house plants in water beads takes a little preparation but is easy once set up. Here are some simple steps for how to use orbeez in plants.

1. Hydrating the Beads
2. Add dry water beads to a bowl and pour in warm water.
3. The beads will absorb the water, and the beads rehydrate and expand to many times their original size over the next few hours, depending on the brand.
4. Drain any excess water once they’re fully expanded where they are ready to use in plant pots.
5. Prepping for Transplant
6. Water the plant to be transplanted normally. This helps the root ball stay intact when removed from its old pot.
7. Carefully remove the plant from its old pot and loosen any circling roots. Trim any diseased or dead roots.
8. Placing Your Plant in the Beads
9. Fill the new pot about 1/3 full with hydrated water beads. Place the plant in the pot atop the beads.
10. Add more soaked beads around the root ball until the pot is full. Top off the roots with more beads or orbeez; plants have immediate access to moisture.
11. Gently press to ensure there are no large air pockets. Depending on the plant type, you can mix in some traditional potting soil.

How Long Will Water Beads Last in a Pot?

The lifespan of water beads depends on the environment. With proper care, they can help your plant to grow for over a year. Here are factors affecting their longevity:

1. Watering Plants with Water Beads

Treat water beads like you will soil – water when the top inch becomes dry. The beads will rehydrate and supply moisture to plants as needed.

Depending on your climate, you may only need to add more water for plants every 2-3 weeks. The beads will shrink and harden slightly as they dry out.

2. Orbeez Shelf Life

Most brands claim their beads will last over a year. However, over time, they may begin to degrade. Much of this depends on whether they are inside your home or garden, where the outdoor garden is exposed to excess heat or freezing temperatures.

Plan on replacing the beads annually for indoor plants and more often for outdoor use where they’re exposed to elements such as direct sunlight.

Next, we’ll look at how to dispose of old beads when they need replacement. (Learn How Is Transported Soil Different From Residual Soil)

How To Dispose of Water Beads?

When water beads need to be replaced, don’t throw them in the trash. The beads could absorb rainwater and expand in the landfill. Here are safe disposal methods:

First, allow any remaining moisture in the old beads to completely evaporate. Then, place them in a sealable plastic bag or jar. Keep them contained until thrown away to prevent hydration.

Some municipalities may allow contained water beads disposed of in landfill trash. Check local regulations. Otherwise, the safest method is to send old water beads to an incineration facility.

Contact your local waste management company to find an appropriate high-heat incineration service for water bead disposal. Never drain used beads down the sink.

What You Don’t Do

Avoid placing the water-soaked beads down household or outdoor drains. The beads may absorb water and expand to block pipes.

Never dispose of water beads directly into backyard compost piles. The beads won’t break down and become an environmental hazard if they escape. (Learn How To Neutralize Muriatic Acid)

Can I Grow Plants With Water Beads and Soil?

One question asked is, “Can I put water beads on top of soil?” Water beads don’t have to be used on their own, and you can use water beads for plants in the soil. Mixing in potting soil provides the best of both worlds for many plants.

Here are 2 key benefits water beads may offer when mixed with soil:

1. Nutrients

Since water beads lack nutrients, mixing them with another medium like soil allows plants growing roots to access nutrition from the balanced potting mix.

2. Drainage

Blending water beads into potting soil improves aeration and drainage. The beads help sandy soils retain more moisture while loosening heavy clay soils.

Aim for one cup of water beads to three cups of potting soil. Adjust this ratio based on your climate and each plant’s preferences. Here, the technology behind water beads means they release water, slowly retain water, and slowly feed water to your plant as plants need it.

Final Thoughts On How Much Water Plants Need

Water beads provide an innovative and effective way to water plants that need good drainage yet require a good water supply. Their unparalleled water retention reduces the need for frequent watering while still supplying roots with consistent moisture. Ensure you pick a suitable plant that can grow in humid, hydroponic-like growing environments.

While water beads work best for some plants, they aren’t a cure-all for every situation. Consider their limitations regarding nutrients, the potential to hold too much water, and breakdown over time.

Combining beads with potting soil gives plants the best moisture control and nutrient access.

With smart use and following the steps in this guide, water beads can be a game-changer for keeping plants lush and healthy. Water beads can last a long time, so you are safe only to water every two or three weeks. (Learn How Often Should I Water My Vegetable Garden)

FAQs About Using Water Beads for Plants

How do you prepare water beads for houseplants?

Soak dry water beads in warm water for several hours until fully expanded. Drain, then add to planting pots, either alone or mixed into potting soil.

How often do you need to water plants in water beads?

Watering your plants is simplified, and most plants in beads only need watering every 2-3 weeks once you see the top layer of beads dry. Always check soil moisture rather than on a set schedule.

What ratio of water beads to soil is best?

When mixing beads with soil, use approximately 20-30% beads by volume. Adjust the ratio based on climate, plant type, and pot size.

Can you reuse water beads for plants?

Water beads can be reused for multiple growing seasons if rinsed and rehydrated. However, they will slowly degrade over time.

Are water beads safe for pets or kids?

Properly hydrated water beads are non-toxic for humans and pets. Supervise children playing with beads and dispose of old beads safely.

How do you add fertilizer when growing with water beads?

Since beads only supply water, use a diluted liquid fertilizer periodically. For beads mixed into soil, use standard timed-release fertilizer.