How to Plant with Crystal Pearls Alternative Soil
Water crystals, also known as crystal pearls, crystal mud, water gel, plant gel and water pearls, are a type of hydroponic growing base. Used for growing indoor plants without soil, water crystals provide a decorative and functional planting medium. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Soak crystal pearls in the manufacturer recommended amount of water and plant fertilizer for at least 12 hours. The pearls will expand as they soak up the water.
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Drain out any excess water from the pearls using a strainer.
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3
Pour crystal pearls into the vase. You can also use traditional garden pots and other containers. Drainage holes are not necessary when using crystal pearls as a planting medium.
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4
Rinse soil off the roots of the plant.
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Trim decayed roots from the plant. Be careful not to damage the main taproot.
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Dig a hole in the pearls, just as though you are planting in soil.
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Arrange the roots very gently in the crystal pearls. Push pearls up around the plant and firm just as you would soil.
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Water once a month or as needed. The pearls will go down in the container as the water is drawn into the plant. When the crystal pearl "soil" goes down approximately 1 to 2 inches, water until the medium returns to the level you started with.
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Tips & Warnings
Mix crystal pearls with soil to reduce watering yet maintain a traditional planting.
Direct sunlight may shorten the lifespan of crystal pearls.
References
- Photo Credit house plant isolated image by Yuriy Mazur from Fotolia.com
