Can I use a gel for my African violets?

Water held as a gel by these compounds is fully available to plants and will remain in the soil until it is extracted by plants or until it evaporates. The gels will re-absorb water whenever it is available, thus creating a sort of shrink-swell cycle. These super absorbents will last through many such cycles, and in a growing environment they will remain effective for a period of anywhere from six months to several years. They will gradually biodegrade in relation to the number of times they expand and contract.

Most important, these absorbents are able to store water without water-logging the soil. As the particles of absorbent expand they force the soil particles apart, increasing aeration and improving drainage. Once the absorbents are fully saturated, any excess water will flow over and around them just as it would a saturated sponge. For gardeners this means that not only is the danger of root rot minimized, but also the lack of water stress imposed on plants and improved aeration actually help to speed plant growth.