New research demonstrates that using AquaSteady for ornamental plants “is an effective strategy to retain substrate water availability and reduce irrigation frequency, without negatively impacting plant health.” AquaSteady, developed by a team at Pratt, is a biodegradable seaweed-based hydrogel that can hold up to 500 times its weight in water. Like a sponge, it captures excess moisture when soil is saturated and gradually releases it back to plant roots during dry conditions.