There are several companies manufacturing “super” absorbent water crystals. The two referred to in this article carry brand names of “Soilmoist” and “Watersorb”. For their intended purposes, both performed equally well.
Super absorbent crystals are a small, crystal-like polymer used originally in gardening and potting plants. The idea is to mix the crystals into the soil when planting inside or out, in the ground or in containers, to aid in water retention and reduce watering frequency. For those of us who cannot seem to remember to water plants regularly, these crystals are excellent.
Watersorb and Soilmoist polymer crystals absorb water when the plant is watered, sucking in 200 times their weight in water. Over time, as water evaporates or is used by the plant, the crystals slowly release their hold, eventually shrinking back to their original size until soaked again. Water released into the soil is used by the plant.
These polymers seem to be of some use, too, if you tend to over-water your plants, as their job is to suck up the excess water, reducing standing water in over-watered potting soil and helping to avoid root rot. When the water is needed again, the crystals begin releasing it.
The cycle of absorbing and releasing water by the soil crystals benefits the plants in other ways. The contraction of each soil crystal leaves a small void in the soil, allowing aeration of the plant’s roots and improving root health (much the same as what earth worms do). This action keeps the soil from becoming too compacted, which is particularly beneficial to potted plants.
Soil polymer crystals are safe and non-toxic and are said to last for years before breaking down. These attributes are what has prompted crafters to take advantage of them for anything from making body-cooling neck and head bands to “smelly jellies” (air fresheners) and fake snow.
People who have used the crystal-filled head and neck bands swear by them as a way of cooling down in hot weather. Working as they do in planting applications, the water absorbing crystals release water slowly to cool the head or back of the neck, but do not drip, and the evaporative process cools the body.
Both brands seem to work equally well for craft purposes. The two companies offer their products sold in versions for crafting, however, you can use the crystals sold for plant use if they are more readily available to you. The difference, according to the companies, is that soil crystals sold for craft uses are pre-sorted and the crystals you are buying are of uniform size. This helps when you are using the water absorbing crystals for crafts that will be worn (such as the neck coolers) because if the contents have many small pieces in them, the piece can become somewhat slimy the first few times it is soaked. Sifting out the tiny fragments will solve this problem.
Water absorbing soil crystals are a great aid in gardening and keeping house plants. If you find maintaining a regular schedule of re-potting and watering your plants is difficult for you, give these crystals a try. They will reduce your work and help keep your plants healthy. For those of you with a talent for crafts, check out their crafty uses and give them a try!
Reference:
- www.watersorb.com www.soilmoist.com www.theshipsproject.com (see how you can help the troops!) www.defenselink.mil/news/jun2005 (for an article on “The Tight Knit Group” and how they are helping the troops with these and other crafts)
