Water Crystals, the verdict?

[Jordy]

Has anyone had any success with using Water Crystals in their soil?
(designed to store and slowly release water when needed, through expanding and creating little reservoir's)

I would think they would be useful, although possibly detrimental if u can't measure the moisture level correctly once they're in there.

all feedback welcome!

[kcpoole]

No one uses them as they usually keep the soil too wet and you cannot judge when they need to be waterred
Idea is to the soil dry out and then rewater. This allows the roots to breather and the act of watering draws air in with the water

PS Watering our trees should not be seen as a chore. It is like " 'bonding time" with them. A good time to look at each one and observe them

ken

[Japh]

I went out and bought myself a cheap watering can today so I can stop doing the "hand-filtered" method I had adopted.

I recommend you buy a watering can instead of the water crystals

[bodhidharma]

yep i agree with Ken watering your tree gives you a good chance to admire and plan them. I have had many new ideas while watering. If you are ground growing though it would probably work. There is a new product out that is reduced water. It is 500mm of water reduced to a very small tube. It was invented by the army(of course) so they could reduce their carrying capacity. Just stick it in the ground next to your tree and..voila.. it gets watered. It lasts 2..3 months.

[alpineart]

My Father outlaw decided to put a few crystals in a bonsai of mine with out my knowledge and it was a disaster .That's why he is now an outlaw not an inlaw .I suggest you set up a sand tray or wet bed to reduced the watering regime and conserve water at the same time .Cheer

[Pup]

My Father outlaw decided to put a few crystals in a bonsai of mine with out my knowledge and it was a disaster .That's why he is now an outlaw not an inlaw .I suggest you set up a sand tray or wet bed to reduced the watering regime and conserve water at the same time .Cheer

I think Nuff said they are a disaster for any potted plant. For reasons stated.

Good old Don Burke ( who by the way promoted Bonsai on Friday night's Nine news segment) always said when he had planted something. Now for the best part. He then got the Hose and started to water, the plants.

[Jordy]

Thankyou for the responses!

and i really should have clarified my question a bit.
I found the water crystals out in our back shed, no idea why dad had them

I was wondering if they could be used if i was away for a longer period of time.
and yes, I DO enjoy my time watering my pants Ken
its just for if i was away the weekend or something, to be used for a short period of time.

instead of relying solely on a member of the family (read WAY too many disaster stories about family members forgetting to water trees)