Mix together in a jar: 6 tbsp. table salt 6 tbsp. water 1 tbsp. ammonia Food colorings, any kind

Put 5 or 6 egg size pieces of coal in a deep dish, preferably glass. Drop a small amount of different food colorings over the coal lumps. Very carefully pour the laundry solution over the coal and let stand. Various colors of plants will start to grow on the coal in less than an hour. Fun to watch.