How to Use Gel Crystals

Gel crystals are small polymer crystals that absorb water or any other liquid. The crystals expand to 400 times their normal weight if you submerge them in water. The most common use for gel crystals is in watering houseplants, though you can also use them as simple home decoration. Gel crystals decrease a plant's need for regular watering

New Plants

• 1

  Pour 1 tsp. of gel crystals into a large bowl. Pour 2 cups of hot water over the crystals and let them soak for 90 minutes.

• 2

  Place the hydrated gel crystals in the bottom of the plant container and pour the soil directly over it. The ratio should be 1 part gel crystals to 4 parts soil.

• 3

  Dig a hole in the soil with a hand spade. The hole should be as deep as the container currently holding your plant, and twice the width. Remove the plant from its container and lower it into the hole, adjusting the roots so they point down. Firmly pack the soil around the base of the plant.

Plants in Existing Pots

• 1

  Poke six holes around the base of the plant using the handle of a wooden spoon. The holes should reach the bottom of the pot.

• 2

  Pour 1/6 tsp. of dry gel crystals into each hole.

• 3

  Pour water into each hole slowly, until the crystals hydrate and fill the holes.

• 4

  Wait 2 weeks before you decrease the amount of water you give the plant. This gives the roots of the plant time to work their way into the hydrated granules.