What are Orbeez - the tiny balls also known aswater jellies, water beads, water gems?

Published: 10:46 EST, 2 March 2020 | Updated: 10:46 EST, 2 March 2020

What are Orbeez - the tiny balls also known as water jellies, water beads, water gems?

An Orbeez footspa 

Orbeez are superabsorbent polymers that grow to 100 times their original size when submerged in water.

They absorb liquids and a version of Orbeez are used in babies' nappies to keep them dry.

Why were they created?

They were originally invented as a way to keep moisture in soil for plants.

The plant roots can take the water out of the beads as soon as the soil gets dry, and then the beads absorb more water again once they're watered.

So the plants are always the perfect level of damp.

What are they used for now?

The beads are hugely popular with children and YouTube content creators. 

Many videos have been created showing people filling paddling pools and baths with the colourful jellies.

Are they harmful to the environment?

Orbeez are non-toxic and biodegradable but they can clog up waste and pipe systems so should never be flushed or poured into plugs.  

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