🌲Baking Soda Glowing Trees

Baking Soda Glow Growing Trees

Materials

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

Hot water

Shallow container (plate, dish, or foil-lined tray)

Spoon or stirrer

Glow & Color

Non-toxic glow-in-the-dark powder (green or blue works best)

Optional: liquid food coloring (use lightly)

Trees & Landscape

Pipe cleaners shaped into trees

Small twigs

Sponges cut into tree shapes

Small plastic figures or scenery pieces

Optional Extras

UV flashlight or blacklight (for stronger glow)

White glitter (very small amount)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Forest Base

Arrange your trees and landscape pieces in the shallow container.

Stand pipe cleaners or twigs upright

Lay sponge trees flat or slightly angled

Make sure the base of each item touches the bottom of the container

Step 2: Make a Saturated Baking Soda Solution

Pour 1 cup hot water into a heat-safe bowl.

Slowly add ½ to ¾ cup baking soda, stirring constantly.

Stop adding when baking soda no longer dissolves and a small amount settles at the bottom.

This means the solution is fully saturated and ready for crystals.

Step 3: Add Glow Powder

Stir in ½ to 1 teaspoon glow-in-the-dark powder.

Mix well so the glow pigment is evenly suspended.

Optional:

Add 1–2 drops of food coloring for tinted glow crystals

Add a tiny pinch of white glitter for extra sparkle

Step 4: Pour the Solution

Slowly pour the glowing solution into the shallow container.

The liquid should touch the base of the trees

Do not fully submerge tall trees

Pour gently to avoid disturbing the layout

Step 5: Grow the Glowing Crystals

Place the container in a warm, dry area where it will not be moved.

As the water evaporates:

Baking soda crystals form and climb upward

Glow powder becomes trapped inside the crystals

Trees develop a frosty, glowing appearance

Timing

Crystal formation begins in a few hours

Full growth appears overnight or within 24 hours

Slower evaporation produces thicker crystals and stronger glow.

Step 6: Charge and Display

Allow the forest to dry completely

Charge the crystals under bright light or a UV/blacklight for 30–60 seconds

Turn off the lights to see the glow

Tips for Best Glow

Use green or aqua glow powder for the brightest results

Dark backgrounds make the glow stand out

Thicker crystal growth holds more glow pigment

Avoid adding too much glow powder, which can weaken crystal formation