Chia pets, those adorable figurines with grass sprouting from their heads, have been a popular gift for over 50 years. But how do they actually work?

How Do Chia Pets Work?

The Chia Seed

The key to chia pets is the chia seed. Chia seeds are small, oval-shaped seeds that are native to Central and South America. They are packed with nutrients, including fiber, protein, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

When chia seeds are soaked in water, they swell and become gelatinous. This is because the seeds contain a polysaccharide called mucilage, which acts as a natural thickener. The gelatinous coating helps to hold water and nutrients, which promotes germination.

The Chia Pet Figurine

Chia pet figurines are typically made of a porous material, such as terracotta or ceramic. The figurine is filled with water and chia seeds, and then the seeds are allowed to sprout.

As the seeds sprout, they send out roots that absorb water and nutrients from the figurine. The roots also help to anchor the plants in place. The sprouts will eventually grow into a lush, green "hairdo" for your chia pet.

Caring for Your Chia Pet

Chia pets are relatively easy to care for. They need to be watered regularly, but they don't need a lot of sunlight. You can keep your chia pet in a sunny window or under a fluorescent light.

The chia pet should be watered every day and fertilized once a month. You can use a water-soluble fertilizer that is safe for use on edible plants.

Your chia pet will continue to grow for several months. Once the sprouts reach their full height, you can trim them back to keep them looking neat and tidy.

Troubleshooting

If your chia pet is not growing properly, there are a few things you can check.

  • Make sure that the chia pet is getting enough water. The seeds need to be soaked in water for at least 12 hours before they will sprout.
  • Make sure that the chia pet is getting enough light. The seeds need at least 6 hours of light per day to germinate.
  • Make sure that the chia pet is not too cold or too hot. The ideal temperature for chia seeds is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Make sure that the chia pet is not getting too much fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots of the plants.

If you have followed all of these steps and your chia pet is still not growing, you may need to start over with a new figurine and a new batch of seeds.