Abstract: A water-retaining support for plants comprising a hydrogel-forming polymer (A) having a calcium ion absorption of 0-100 mg per 1 g of the dry weight thereof, having a chlorine ion content of 0.07-7 mmol per 1 g of the dry weight thereof and having a water absorption magnification in ion-exchanger water at 25° C. of 1.0×101 to 1.0×102; or a plant body-growing water-retaining material comprising a molded product of a mixture of such a polymer (A) and a plant body-growing support (B). The water-retaining support for plants and the plant body-growing water-retaining material are those which have an excellent water-retaining property and they substantially do not cause inhibition of root generation or inhibition of root elongation.

Abstract: A vessel for growing a plant, comprising: a base material 11 in the from of a vessel which is capable of accommodating therein at least a part of a plant; and a hydrogel-forming polymer 12 having a crosslinked structure disposed in the inside of the vessel-form base material 11. When such a vessel is used, the transferring operation for the plant can be automated, and the transferring damage to the plant can be reduced at the time of the transferring operation for the plant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet for growing a plant in cultivation comprising a base material in the form of a sheet and a polymer for forming saccharide-free hydrogel disposed on at least one of the surfaces of the sheet. The polymer for forming saccharide-free hydrogel has a crosslinked structure.

Abstract: A water-retaining support for a plant exhibiting a water-retaining ability comparable to that of a polyacrylic acid-type hydrogel without inhibition of root origination or root elongation. The water-retaining support for a plant includes a hydrogel-forming polymer having a calcium ion absorption of less than 50 mg per 1 g of its dry weight and having a water absorption magnification in ion-exchange water (at 25° C.) of 100 or more. When the water-retaining support is used, a plant may be supplied with sufficient water without suffering from a deficiency of calcium ions.

Abstract: A vessel for growing a plant, comprising: a base material 11 in the form of a vessel which is capable of accommodating therein at least a part of a plant; and a hydrogel-forming polymer 12 having a crosslinked structure disposed inside of the vessel-form base material 11 is disclosed. When such a vessel is used, a transfer operation for the plant can be automated, and any damage caused by transferring the plant can be reduced.