Silica Gel Balls

[Matt Trevatt]

Has anyone used the silica gel balls in a flood and drain? They are just the rage here with all the kids at the mo and really cheap.

[fuzvulf]

I don't know about flood and drain systems but the people calling themselves "ecograffiti artists" use them. They mix them with buttermilk, beer, sugar and moss in a blender and when they either put that into a water balloon and splat something with it, or paint with it, anywhere it goes on, moss grows.

[arthoz]

I did, though I believe they are strictly for flood and drain only since if left in air for too long they will shrink. Anyway some are translucent so lights would pass through---don't know if that would effect root health for plants. There's also situation where found some of the silica gel have burst/mashed. Not sure if they would break down over time (I've only use them for a short time before opting for coconut fibers) or perhaps a naughty child or two had been messing with them---that's the downside that I know, they are too fragile and too bouncy...

Just a piece of experience.....hope it'll help...

[fuzvulf]

My daughter at college let me know she has a bamboo plant that is growing in silica gel and gravel.