As an Orbeez expert, I have grown and played with these little water beads for years. I still remember the first time I saw them, I was fascinated by how small they were, and how much they grew when placed in water. Now, I love sharing my knowledge with others who are just discovering the magic of Orbeez.
Growing Orbeez is a fun and easy process that anyone can do. It’s a great way to add some color and texture to your home decorations, crafts, and sensory play activities. But it’s not just about the end result, the process of growing Orbeez can be a fun and educational experience as well.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the steps of how to grow Orbeez, and share some tips and tricks along the way. So let’s get started and grow some Orbeez!
A Step-By-Step Guide To Grow Orbeez
Time needed: 4 hours and 10 minutes
Are you new to growing Orbeez and looking for guidance? This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, from choosing the water beads to enjoying your newly grown colorful and squishy toys!
- Choose The Right Kind Of Orbeez
There are different types of Orbeez available, including classic, glow-in-the-dark, and scented. The classic ones are the standard version that comes in a wide range of colors.
For those looking for an extra exciting element, glow-in-the-dark Orbeez are also available. Those have a special coating that makes them glow in the dark and can add a fun and magical touch to sensory play in low-light conditions.
Similarly, scented Orbeez can also enhance the sensory experience by adding a pleasant fragrance. They come in various fragrances such as lavender, strawberry, and citrus. It’s important to choose the right beads that suit your intended use and create the sensory experience you desire.
- Gather Your Materials
To grow Orbeez, you’ll need a few essential materials-
1. A container
2. Water
3. Orbeez
To grow Orbeez, the first thing you’ll need is a container to hold them and water. You can use any container, but it should be big enough to hold the amount of dry beads you want to grow. A clear container is ideal as it allows you to see them as they expand and grow.
The next thing you’ll need is water. It’s best to use slightly warm water, as cold water can slow down the expansion process. You should add enough water to cover the top level of the balls completely. Finally, you’ll need the Orbeez themselves.
- Add The Orbeez Into The Container
Once you have your container ready, it’s time to add the Orbeez. Simply pour them into the container, taking care not to spill them. The amount you pour into the container depends on how many beads you want to grow.
It’s important to not overdo it as the Orbeez will expand to several times their original size once you add water. It’s always better to start with a smaller amount, and add more if needed.
- Fill Water In The Container
After you have added the Orbeez to the container, it’s time to add water. You’ll need to add enough water to completely cover them. The amount of water needed will vary based on the size of your container and the number of water beads you are using. Usually, 3 cups of water for one teaspoon of Orbeez is enough.
Additionally, make sure that the water level is not too high, as the Orbeez will expand and take up more space in the container. By adding the correct amount of water, you can ensure that they grow properly and create a fun and engaging sensory experience.
- Let The Orbeez Soak
Now that you’ve added water to the container, it’s time to let them soak. The dry beads will absorb the water and gradually start to expand and become fully grown. It’s important to let them soak for at least 3-4 hours to give them enough time to grow to several times their original size.
During this time, you may notice that the water level in the container has decreased as the gel beads absorb the water. You can add more water if needed to ensure that the balls are fully submerged. By allowing the Orbeez to soak for the appropriate amount of time, you can ensure that they expand appropriately.
- Drain The Excess Water And Use
Once the Orbeez have grown to their full size, it’s time to drain the excess water. You can do this by pouring the water out of the container or by using a strainer to separate them from the water.
It’s important to drain the water completely, as excess water can cause the Orbeez to damage if they are left soaking in it for too long. You can gently press them with a paper towel or cloth to remove any excess water if necessary. Once you’ve drained the excess water, you can use the jelly beads.
Related: How To Get Orbeez Out Of Drain?
Can You Grow Orbeez Faster?
Growing Orbeez is always a fun and exciting experience, but sometimes we just can’t wait for them to fully absorb the water. One day, I was experimenting with different water temperatures and noticed that Orbeez grew much quicker in warm water. I then tried adding a pinch of salt to the water, and to my surprise, the beads grew even faster!
I also discovered that stirring the beads every thirty minutes while they soak can help speed up the absorption process. But my biggest breakthrough was when I started using a larger container to grow them in. With more surface area, the Orbeez had more access to water and were able to grow faster than ever before.
As promised earlier, I have done experimenting with different materials, and here is the long-awaited guide to grow Orbeez faster and bigger. Let me know if it helps you and any new creative method that you would like to share.
What Happens If You Vary The Soaking Time?
How long Orbeez beads need to soak, relies entirely on how much and how fast they absorb water, which again depends on their size. Thus, the longer you soak them, the more water they absorb and the bigger they grow.
As a thumb rule, it’s recommended to soak Orbeez for at least 4 hours before you use them. Additionally, leaving them in water for too long can create a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms.
But don’t soak them for too long, as overgrown beads get excessively fluffy, brittle, and prone to damage faster. Overgrown beads are not good to use with any Orbeez guns either, as they need beads of specific sizes.
On the other hand, soaking them for a shorter period would leave the beads too small. Personally, I prefer to leave them in the water for around six hours – it strikes a nice balance of size and rigidity, suitable for use with my Orbeez guns.
Related: What Will Happen If You Hydrate Orbeez For Too Long?
Can You Leave Orbeez In The Water Overnight?
That being said, it’s generally okay to leave Orbeez in water overnight as long as you follow some basic guidelines. Be sure to use the right amount of water and beads for the container you’re using, and don’t leave them in water for more than 24 hours. It’s also important to keep the water clean and replace it frequently to avoid any bacterial growth.
What Is The Correct Water Beads-To-Water Ratio?
I initially had some trouble deciding on the ratio of water beads to water. I just started with a small amount of water and poured in more as required. Eventually, I figured it out – I needed three cups of water for just one teaspoon of Orbeez beads. In other words, approximately 240 ml of water is enough for 100 beads. I know this ratio looks rather staggering, but keep in mind that Orbeez can absorb 10 times their weight in water. Here is a video demonstrated on Pinterest: Growing Orbeez: Time-lapse Video
Can You Use Tap Water To Grow Orbeez?
I remember the first time I discovered Orbeez. I was so fascinated by the way they magically grew and changed colors when they absorbed water. I couldn’t wait to try it out for myself, but I had a lot of questions. One of the biggest was whether or not I could use tap water to grow them.
After doing some research and conducting my own experiments, I found that, yes, I can use tap water to grow Orbeez. In fact, it’s the most commonly used type of water for growing these fun little beads. The gel beads are specifically designed to absorb water, so they will grow in any type of water, including tap water.
However, I quickly learned that the quality of your tap water can impact the growth and color of the water beads. If your tap water has a high mineral content or a lot of chlorine, it may affect negatively. In such cases, using filtered or distilled water can help ensure the best results.
Regardless of the water you use, it’s crucial to follow the instructions carefully and not overfill the container or exceed the recommended soaking time. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your Orbeez grow to their fullest potential and provide you with hours of fun and creativity.
Do Orbeez Shrink After They Have Fully Grown?
Yes, Orbeez balls start shrinking when left dry for too long. They are designed to absorb water and grow to their full size over the course of several hours. Once out of water, they will begin to slowly release the moisture and shrink back down to their original size. The time it takes for them to shrink can vary depending on a number of factors, including the temperature and humidity of the environment they’re in.
That being said, it’s important to note that Orbeez will not shrink back down to their original size immediately after they’ve fully grown. It can take some hours or even days for them to slowly release the water and return to their original size.
Overall, if you’re looking for a long-lasting, reusable option for your Orbeez play, it’s best to store them in a sealed container with a small amount of water to keep them hydrated and prevent them from shrinking too quickly.
Quite clearly, there’s nothing difficult about growing Orbeez balls. Just put them in a container, pour in water, and let them soak for a few hours – there you go, your squishy fun is ready. You may apply the other tips and tricks I discussed depending on your requirements.
I’ve had a lot of fun with Orbeez, and I hope you will too. ENJOY!
