Water beads are a simple way to keep cuttings and indoor plants fresh. They also make a plain glass pot look lovely. Here's what we've learned about which plants suit them, how to set them up, and how to keep them clean so they last.
New to this? Start with our first guide, water beads for plants.
Which plants grow well in water beads?
- Cuttings: pothos, philodendron, tradescantia, monstera and coleus cuttings root well in clear beads. You can watch the roots grow, which is half the fun.
- Lucky bamboo and peace lilies: both are happy growing in water, so a vase of beads suits them.
- Cut flowers: beads hold stems upright in vases and centrepieces. Our vase guide has more tips.
- Not a good fit: succulents, cacti and plants that like dry soil. Stick with free-draining potting mix for those.
How to use water beads for plants
- Soak the beads. Put dry beads in clean water for 4 to 6 hours until they're fully plump. A 10g pack makes about 1.2 litres.
- Rinse the roots. Gently wash off all the soil so it doesn't cloud the beads.
- Plant. Half fill a clear vase, sit the plant in, then fill in around the roots.
- Add a little water to the bottom so the lowest roots can reach it.
Tip: clear water beads show off the roots. If you'd like some colour, we have 11 colours to choose from.
Mixing water beads into potting mix
For pots and hanging baskets, mix a small handful of soaked beads through the potting mix near the roots. They help hold moisture between waterings, which is handy in a hot Aussie summer. Keep the beads below the surface.
Care tips: keep them clean and they'll last longer
- Top up with water. Beads slowly give up their water and shrink. Add water and they plump up again.
- Rinse and change the water every week or two. Clean beads last much longer.
- Cloudy or smelly? Give them a rinse, or swap in a fresh batch.
- Feed lightly. Beads have no nutrients, so add a few drops of weak liquid plant food every few weeks.
- Bright, indirect light keeps plants healthy and helps stop algae in clear vases.
How long do water beads last with plants?
In a vase, beads usually stay plump for 2 to 3 weeks before they start to shrink. Top them up and they plump back up. If you keep them clean, with regular rinsing and fresh water, a batch can look good for up to about 3 months. When they start breaking up or looking tired, it's time for a fresh pack.
Water beads, gel balls, hydrogel beads: what's the difference?
People call these lots of names: water balls, gel balls, jelly balls, hydrogel beads and water pearls. For plants, they're all the same idea. They're small polymer beads that soak up and hold water. Our water beads are sold for décor, flowers and plants, not as a toy. You can read more in what are water beads?
Which pack should I buy?
- A few cuttings or one vase: a 10g or 50g pack.
- Several plants or a display: 100g or 200g.
- Nurseries, events and big projects: 1kg bulk packs.
If you buy more than one item, you'll save 20% on each extra item, and orders over $50 get bonus water beads. Shop water beads.
Safety: please read
Water beads are for decorative and garden use only. They are not a toy. Keep them away from children and pets. Swallowed beads can expand and cause a serious internal blockage. If swallowed, get medical help straight away (Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26, or 000 in an emergency). Don't put beads in garden beds where pets or wildlife can dig them up. Put used beads in the general waste bin, never down sinks, drains or toilets.
