• Hydrating beads are useful for plant cultivation.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Hydrating beads that are made out of polymer (molecules that have high molar masses), are used as both functional and attractive mediums for flowering plant arrangements. Polymer hydrating beads (also known as water beads and water crystals) are constructed out of polymers that are capable of absorbing, storing and then releasing water, making them helpful for plant cultivation and also for freshly cut flowers.
  
  

Purpose

• Polymer hydrating beads resemble glass marbles but are significantly lighter. Polymer hydrating beads can function as attractive soil replacements and also as sources of water for freshly cut flowers and plants. The beads can serve as foundations for flower arrangements, due to the fact that the beads are both flexible and soft, and also will not cause any damage to the stems during positioning. The hydrating beads are also colorfast and bright, with refractive properties.
  
  

Size

• Polymer hydrating beads, when they are dry, have a diameter of approximately one-eighth of an inch. When polymer hydrating beads are hydrated to their standard sizes, the beads increase to about five-eighth of an inch in diameter, similar to the size of a marble.
  
  

Preparation

• Polymer hydrating beads are always sold in a dry form. As a result, it is crucial to add a minimum of one and a half quarts of water (for every 10 bead grams) for successful plant growth. To achieve full hydration, it is beneficial to use filtered water. After the water is added, it must be allowed to stand for between four and six hours (to attain 80 percent hydration) and between eight and 10 hours (to attain 100 percent hydration). It is also important to make sure that all excess water is drained away afterward.