{"product_id":"five-star-feeders-water-storing-polymer-crystals-for-insects-plants-1-oz-small-1-mm","title":"Five-Star Feeders Water Storing Polymer Crystals for Insects \u0026 Plants – 1 oz Small (1 mm)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFive-Star Feeders' Water Storing Polymer Crystals are designed to safely hydrate feeder insects while supporting plant care. Each crystal starts around 1 mm and expands to 3–4 mm when hydrated, creating a stable, drown-free water source for crickets, roaches, dubias, and other feeders. When used in soil, the crystals help retain moisture near the root zone, which can help plants stay hydrated between waterings. The crystals are screened for consistent, uniform size, offering clean handling with minimal dust.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTwo simple prep methods\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo common preparation options let you tailor hydration to your batch size:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFor larger batches: add 1 oz of dry crystals to 1 gallon of water. Let them sit overnight, then strain in the morning to reveal fully expanded crystals (about 400x their original size).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFor smaller batches: soak 1 teaspoon of dry crystals in 4 cups of water overnight, then strain to use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest water to use is distilled water for maximum expansion; tap water may reduce expansion slightly due to minerals in the water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUse cases: insects and plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eInsects: Place hydrated crystals in a shallow dish to provide a drown-free water source for crickets, roaches, dubias, and more.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePlants: Mix dry crystals into soil before watering to help retain moisture and reduce watering frequency in pots or gardens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePotted plants and garden integration\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePots: Mix crystals into soil, leaving 1 inch from the top, then water thoroughly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eGarden rows: Use 7–8 teaspoons per 6-foot row, mixing evenly into the soil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy choose these crystals\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for breeders, gardeners, and reptile keepers, the crystals are safe, reusable, and non-toxic. They offer a practical moisture-management option that can support insect hydration and plant root-zone moisture without creating standing water. If you have questions, Five-Star Feeders’ team is available to help you optimize your setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"product-faq-snippet\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: What are Five-Star Feeders Water Storing Polymer Crystals used for?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: They hydrate feeder insects safely and help soil retain moisture for plants; they expand when soaked and can be used in dishes or soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: How do I prepare and apply the crystals?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Soak 1 teaspoon in 4 cups of water overnight (or 1 oz in 1 gallon for larger batches), then strain. Use in a shallow dish for insects or mix into soil for plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Generic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45826712109242,"sku":"B09V24G85N","price":32.71,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/3536\/8890\/files\/five-star-feeders-water-crystals-expansion.jpg?v=1777969688","url":"https:\/\/gardencanada.ca\/products\/five-star-feeders-water-storing-polymer-crystals-for-insects-plants-1-oz-small-1-mm","provider":"Garden Canada","version":"1.0","type":"link"}