Silica gel

[dave45]

Is it OK to empty the packets of silica gel dessicant (found in electronic equipment packaging) and use them in plantpots for water retention?

[Cloud]

Well, they would certainly hold the water, but would they ever give it up again.

Would it be like putting a biscuit in a cake tin - result is a soggy biscuit and a dry cake.

[Helsbells]

Personally I wouldnt because I think it is pretty toxic, so not great if you are trying for an organic approach.

[Ellendra]

No, but you could use them when saving seeds to prevent the seeds from molding in the jar.

[Peggy Sue]

I don't think silica gel is toxic, silica is very natural. Excellent idea to use with seedsaving

[Cloud]

I don't think silica gel is toxic, silica is very natural. Excellent idea to use with seedsaving

The silica gel itself is non-toxic, but if the colourings can be toxic.

[billwright]

I don't think silica gel is toxic, silica is very natural. Excellent idea to use with seedsaving

The silica gel itself is non-toxic, but if the colourings can be toxic.

You are correct in saying Silica Gel is non-toxic and inert in it's natural form (white/clear).

Now there is a product that is Blue Indicating Silica Gel which has been banned for use in the UK and you must dispose of as hazardous material in the UK. It includes a chemical called Cobalt Chloride II which is bad for the environment and has health concerns.

There are products now that companies sell that is Orange Indicating Silica Gel which was NOT contain the Cobalt Chloride II, thus making it safer to use.

You can use Silica Gel to dry your seeds as another poster mentioned. Silica Gel packaged in Cotton or Tyvek packets do meet FDA Requirements to be used in dry food packaging.

As far as using Silica Gel in with your plants or as plant soil, probably not recommended. If anything else, it would simply dry out the roots by pulling the moisture from the roots. Silica Gel is commonly used to dry and preserve flowers, so I would see no point in putting it in the soil or your flower container unless you wish to dry the flowers.

Here is a link to a FAQ section of the web site http://www.silicagelpackets.com if you would like to read up on Silica Gel.

[Peggy Sue]

Thats good info, I ahd been wondering why the silica gel I know was white not coloured at all...now I know the story!