Growing Phalaenopsis in Water Gel Beads

[RosieC]

Good spot Jayfar

[naoki]

Is it really safe (for human) to use this indoor? It's polyacrylamide, right? I know the pure polyacryolamide is ok, but isn't there possibility of acrylamide contamination (or could it break down to produce acrylamide)?

[Vanda lover]

They claim that it is safe to use in fish tanks, but I wouldn't try it.

[Hiester]

F.Y.I.

Not an endorsement.

http://puyallup.wsu.edu/~linda%20cha.../Hydrogels.pdf

http://puyallup.wsu.edu/~Linda%20Cha...gels%20too.pdf

[Vanda lover]

Interesting! I have tried a few houseplants in it but I found that it had to be changed often. The plant roots fill the container and algae grows in it, so it doesn't look pretty anymore. I have been tempted to experiment with a keiki.

[Hiester]

I think the author of the articles was more concerned about the effects in an outdoor landscape environment, citing the long term ill-effects which likely would outweigh any short term benefits. I didn't really even know these granules were being suggested as a soil amendment in outdoor garden settings. I have some standard houseplant potting mix that contains the granules.

[Vanda lover]

It is used in outdoor potting mixes. It works quite well. I once saw a garden show where a man was removing the crystals from diapers to add to his potting mix. He was using other household items for gardening too, such as Listerine.