Planning a vacation? But worried about your houseplants, take a chill pill with the right pre and a few easy steps you can make sure your leafy companion stays healthy and watered, whether you are out for a weekend or a long vacation, these low-stress tips will keep them hydrated and healthy in your absence.
1. Water Thoroughly Before You Leave
Set a reminder to soak your plants well before leaving them; it will provide a good kick start so that they can manage.
Tips: Use lukewarm water because it gets absorbed better than cold water. Also, take off the dead leaves to lower the plant’s water needs.
Ideal For – Brief Travel ( 2-4 ) days
2. Keep them away from direct sunlight.
Sunlight would speed up the evaporation, leading to dry soil faster. So, relocate them to a cooler area of your home and choose a spot with indirect filtered light.
3. Self-watering system
These systems release the water slowly as per the needs of the soil. Some self-watering systems are –
- Self-watering spikes
- Watering Globes
- Self-watering wicks.
4. DIY watering methods
If you want a budget-friendly hack, you need to try these DIY solutions –
Bottle Trick
You need to fill a water bottle with water and make a tiny hole in the cap or remove it, then turn the bottle upside down and bury it in the soil.
Wicking System
In this method, you need to place a water jar next to the pot. One end of a cotton rope is submerged in the water, and the other end is in the soil. As the soil dries, water moves up the wick.
Plastic Bag Greenhouse
Cover your plant with a clear & transparent bag and leave the bag a bit open for proper air circulation. This mini greenhouse retains the moisture and traps humidity.
However, this is not suitable for succulents or cactus-type plants.
5. Request a friend or neighbour
Sometimes, the easiest solution is human help. Request a trustworthy neighbour or a friend to water your plants during your absence.
6. Grouping the plants
Plating in groups isn’t only a space saver, but it also forms a microclimate in which humidity remains higher. This would retard the evaporation and is helpful to all grouped plants.
7. Schedule care for longer vacation
If you’re away for a longer vacation, there are some more advanced options like hiring a plant sitting service or using an indoor drip irrigation timer. This system connects to a water source and uses programmable timers, best for people with large plant collections.
Conclusion
With a little planning, your plants can remain healthy in your absence. Whether by using a homemade hack or self-watering devices, your green companion will be safe and healthy when you get back.
