INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT WATER BEADS

Key Specifications/Special Features: www.MagicWaterBeads.comhttp://www.MagicWaterBeads.com 

• Water beads are a new type of green Eco-friendly material
• Rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
• Can absorb water up to 50 to 100-time of its original weight
• After expansion, it looks colorful, brilliant and translucent
  
• Used to decorate indoor plants, to keep your flowers and plants fresh for a long time
• Colors: pink, purple, blue, teal, red, yellow, apple green, orange, clear, white, black, golden yellow
  

• Water Beads, Offers Flowers Oxygen and Nutrition, Non-toxic and Odorless

Water Beads Uses

1. As table centerpiece for home, office, coffee table or bar
2. For plant/cut flower /floral arrangements
3. For wedding reception/party accessories
4. Submersible LED lights in vase
5. As candle sticks
6. Can make air fresheners with them
7. Can make neck coolers and cooling bandanas with them
8. Can use as a Plant Nutritional Fertilizer in garden or agriculture

USING WATER BEADS

How can I use water beads?

As a home, office or event decoration, handicrafts or a soil replacement for plants.

How many beads will a package make?

One 10 gram package of dry beads makes enough water beads to fill a one gallon Ziploc container.

How do I turn my package of (dehydrated) beads into the larger (hydrated) beads?

1. Empty the contents of one bag into 1 gallon of water (distilled water recommended). If using with plants, add a small amount of liquid fertilizer.
2. Let the beads soak in water for approximately 8 to 12 hours.
3. Afterwards, use a spaghetti strainer to drain off excess water.

How do I add scent to my water bead decoration?

Replace water with your favorite water-based liquid potpourri, perfume, cologne or scent.

Can candles be placed in a bowl or jar of water beads?

Yes. Water beads are safe to use with candles.

Help! My water beads are shrinking!

Actually, they're dehydrating (which occurs about every two months). To rehydrate them, just rinse them off in a strainer or colander. Place them in a large bowl with water. Let them sit overnight (or until they've regained their hydrated size) then drain any excess water. This can be done again and again!

How long do water beads last?
Their lifetime averages approximately 1-2 years. If mixed in soil for purposes of moisture retention, they may be functional up to 7-9 years.

WATER BEAD STORAGE AND DISPOSAL

How do I dehydrate water beads?

They dehydrate fast (overnight) in food dehydrating machines. They also dehydrate within 1-2 weeks when spread out on a towel. After they're dehydrated, gather them up and place in a Ziploc baggie for future use.

Can water beads be frozen?

No. It'll ruin them.

How do I dispose of my water beads?
Pour them into soil, flowerbeds, pots or your garden (because water beads are a non-toxic polymer, they will not harm plants, grass or soil). NEVER flush or pour beads down the drain or toilet; they could clog drain pipes. If flushed, use table salt or rock salt with hot water to flush.

WATER BEADS AND PLANTS
 
Can I place my live house plants in a bowl of water beads?

Yes! Because water beads deliver water just to the plant, not the surrounding soil, your plants will love water beads!

We suggest using:

Arrowhead Vine	Bamboo	Birds of Paradise
Caladium	Carnations	Chinese Evergreen
Croton	Daisies	Dracaena
Dumb Cane	Ferns	Palm
Norfolk Island Pine	Ivy	Peace Lily
Peacock Plant	Peperonia	Phalaenopsis Orchid
Philodendron	Pothos	Prayer Plant
Roses	Rubber Plant	Schefflera
Sunflowers	Spider Plant	Weeping Fig

A few points of caution:

• Water beads should not be used with house plants that need a lot of sun. That's because direct sunlight will more quickly dehydrate and shorten the life of water beads.

• DO NOT USE with cactus or succulents.
• Avoid putting vase next to warm radiators or in direct sunlight.

What if I have plants that are in soil, and I want to put them in water beads?
There are a few of ways to use the water beads for hydrating your plants.

1. Is to wash all the soil off the plant then placing them in the water beads.
2. Remove 1/3 of soil on top of the plant then place cheesecloth on top of the soil as a barrier between the soil and the water beads. This will allow approximately one month without needing to re-hydrate. The reason for the cheesecloth is that it makes it easier to remove water beads for re-hydration.
3. Once the water beads are hydrated you can use them for your starts instead of placing them in water.
4. You can also start seeds in the water beads. Just put them on top of water beads. (Children like to watch them germinate.)

How do water beads hydrate plants?

Water beads slowly release water at the rate needed by the plant needs. We recommend you watch the plant or flower for a few days so you know the rate of water utilization. For fresh cut flowers, we recommend you place about 1" of water at the bottom of the vase. Cut at least 1/2" off the stem, place the flowers in the vase, then fill with water beads.

How do I know when it's time to rehydrate the water beads I have my plants in?

Water beads slowly decrease in size as they hydrate plants or flowers. Depending on the plant (after roughly about one month), you should notice they've started to dehydrate. To rehydrate them, just rinse them off in a strainer or colander. Place them in a large bowl with water. Let them sit overnight (or until they've regained their hydrated size) then drain any excess water. Re-hydrating the beads in a separate container also allows you the chance clean your glass vase.

Another option: Purchase two bags of beads. That way, you'll always have water beads available and ready to use when time comes to rehydrate. That's why most people buy the 3 bags (two for plants and one for playing with).

How do I ensure my plants grow without soil?

If needed, add some liquid fertilizer as directed. Although we use Miracle-Gro for house plants, any liquid fertilizer will work. Some people have their own fertilizer they like better. Remember that each time you re-hydrate your water beads; you'll need to add fertilizer. Do not use crystal fertilizers, which tend to clog water beads up for some reason and they don't get as big as they should.

What if algae should develop?

Use diluted Schultz liquid fertilizer to kill the bacteria. Rinse them with cold water, then return to their container or vase.

Can water beads be used with sprouts?

Yes. Just place seeds about 1" deep into a small container of hydrated water beads and watch them grow. You may leave the small plant in your water bead container or transfer it to another pot.

What about using water beads with bamboo?

One of our favorite plants (because they require very little water), simply fill the container with water beads which have been hydrated in distilled or fresh water (additives and minerals will cause your plant to turn yellow).

What about using water beads with silk flowers?
No problem. Just place the flowers in the vase, and then fill the vase with the water beads.