How to Grow a Chia Pet

Chia pets are entertaining for all sorts of ages. Developed in the 1980s, this ceramic pottery comes in a wide variety of animal shapes. This is an indoor plant that actually has a chia plant that grows on the surface of these ceramic animals. Growing a Chia pet is fast, easy and economical. This ceramic pet is an excellent way to teach kids how to take care of a growing plant.

Instructions

1. Fill a deep bowl with enough water to cover the whole Chia pet. Take the Chia pet out of the box and submerge it in the water for 24 hours.

2. Moisten about a third to half the package of seeds with water until they become paste-like. Take the Chia pet out of the water and place the seeds in the grooves of the ceramic figure.

3. Set the Chia pet on a plastic shallow container. Place it someplace where it will receive a lot of sunlight.

4. Locate a cup or container to fill with water. Keep the plant moist with water, but empty the excess water from the drip pan daily.

5. Trim the Chia pet with regular household scissors or small plant trimmers. Adding a funky hairstyle to this ceramic friend will give him a more personalized look. Get as creative as you want.

Tips & Warnings

• After the Chia pet is full of leaves, you may water it every other day. It should last as long as it is watered and taken care of.

• Watch young children closely if they are making a Chia pet so they do not try to swallow the seeds or cut themselves with the scissors.