Are Orbeez Good for Plants: Benefits and Side Effects of their Usages

If you’re shocked to found the usage of orbeez in indoor plants, you’re not alone. These tiny water beads have not become a rages for only being used for entertainment. But are orbeez good for plants?

Well. The properties of these water beads makes them an excellent product for indoor plants. However, just like another other product their are pros and cons to their usage. In this guide, we’ll discuss:

• Are orbeez good for plants?
• Benefits and consequences of using orbeez in plants.
• Final verdict for safety of orbeez.

Without further ado, let’s begin.

Inception of Orbeez as an Agricultural Product

During the 1960s, orbeez were mainly created to help farmers hydrate their lands for long. Due to their water absorbant nature, the water beads were places on the land and water was thrown over them. The orbeez would absorb water and make the soil moist for a longer period of time.

Over the course of history, orbeez have been used as an technological innovation by farmers. They have also been used during times of drought to make effective use of limited resources. In water scarce regions, orbeez are a good alternative to provide water to plant and keep them land fertile.

Benefits of Using Orbeez for Plants?

Aeration

One of the common properties of orbeez is it’s expanding and contracting nature. The water beads expands when they are hydrated and contract when they dehydrate. This property of water beads allows the soil from compacting and aids in drainage and aeration.

Retention

Did you know that orbeez can store about 300 to 400 times of water then their original size. This water absorbent property of orbeez allows them to slowly and steadily release water in te soil. The plants retain large amount of water while loosing much of it to evaporation.

Can be Paired with Water-soluble Fertilizer

Orbeez can be paired with a water-soluble fertilizer and be used as a soil-free growing medium. With orbeez, you can skip soil and allow the roots of plants to grow without allowing them to grow in a pure warm water environment.

And the best part is: these water beads can directly absorb nutrients from liquid fertilizer and provide them slowly. These nutrients are slowly reintroduced to the soil as the beads dehydrate which precent nutrients washout and creates a more feeding regimen similar to time-release fertilizers.

Lower Risks of Health

The beads provides a more controlled release of moistures as well as help mitigate the risk of overwatering. Many moisture loving pests such as fungus gnats and mealybugs are less likely to infest the plants that is using orbeez.

Also, molds, mildews, root rot, and fungal infenctions are also less likely to happen

Increases the Life of Plants

The lifespan of a water bead is unpredictable. Depending on how frequently they are used, they can be dehydrated for storage, and the majority will last between two and nine years.

The rate at which beads used as aggregate disintegrate over time varies depending on the brand and other environmental conditions.

Side effects of Using Orbeez in Plants

Adaptivity Among Some Plants

When you’re transplanting a plant from soil to water beads, it’s necessary to rinse the roots completely clean. If a plant has more sensitive root structure, than it might lead to problem.

Withering of Roots

Another issue that can arise after using orbeez in plants is the withering of roots. Moreover, the plants might also experience yellowing of leaf. Keep these things in might when using orbeez in plants.

Health Impact

Since polymers are thought to be potentially neurotoxic and carcinogenic, there is some worry that over time, these poisons may seep into the soil in tiny amounts.

Pet and child safety is another issue that is becoming more and more of a worry.

They resemble candies due to their vibrant colours, and if a kid or cat eats one, it will absorb liquids in the digestive tract. It can therefore clog the intestines and develop up to 200–400 times its original size, depending on the brand.

There have been instances where youngsters have placed them in their ears, which has damaged the eardrum and perhaps resulted in lifelong hearing loss. Surgical removal is frequently required.

There are environmental dangers associated with it. Keep in mind that throwing them in the washbasin or toilet will cause them to bloat and clog the pipes. Put them in a plastic bag that can be sealed instead.

Limited Benefits

Though they seem fantastic in theory, crystal water beads aren’t exactly as amazing as they first seem. They work really well for short-term home plant care—they can keep a plant healthy while you’re away—but not so well for long-term maintenance. Because of this, it’s critical to not rely too heavily on them for advice on appropriate watering strategies.

Overcrowding

Water beads can compete with plant roots in a container for space, though this is usually not an issue. This isn’t a major problem for plants that tolerate rootbinding; it could just require occasional repotting.

On the other hand, plants with extremely delicate roots or those requiring a lot of root space could not react well to the gel crystals. Plants that love compact soil may find it problematic because they are growing and shrinking. While appreciating the colour of the beads, you might think about keeping an eye on your root system using a clear vase or glass container.

Photosensitivity

As with any container, heat and intense sunshine will cause water beads to dry more quickly and break. Thus, it’s usually not a smart idea to grow a sun-loving plant exclusively in them. However, if the water beads are combined with the soil, this issue is significantly lessened.

Furthermore, keep in mind that not every houseplant is compatible with water beads. You can use tropical foliage plants that need indirect sunlight or houseplants that like water.

Final Words: Are Orbeez Safe for Plants

The simple answer after the above hypothesis is: yes. They were developed as a product meant for plants. They safe and non-toxic in nature and can be used for both indoor and outdoor plants. Moreover, they are made from biodegradable material which makes them ecofriendly. You can use them in your garden without having to worry about any long term impact.

Use them in your plants and make the most out of it.