A two-week vacation may sound appealing, but it can pose challenges for your plants, especially in the summer when they require extra care. To help you maintain your greenery while you’re away, we consulted gardening experts for their top tips on watering plants during extended trips.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Plants
The first step is to assess how long you will be gone. Most plants can survive a week without attention, but longer absences require more preparation. The approach for outdoor gardens differs from indoor plants, so consider the specific needs of each.
Outdoor Plants
For outdoor gardens, Sarah Barbosa, a Texas-based grower, suggests using a timed irrigation system. “It’s essential even when you’re not traveling, as life can get busy,” Barbosa explains. If a timed system is not an option, consider her DIY self-watering method or ask a neighbor to help with high-value plants.
Indoor Plants
Indoor plants vary in their water needs. Clara Leung, a plant consultant, recommends categorizing your indoor plants into three groups:
Low-maintenance plants: These need no extra care while you’re away.
Medium-maintenance plants: These might benefit from self-watering systems.
High-maintenance plants: These require someone to water them regularly.
For high-maintenance plants like Calatheas, polka dot plants, ferns, or orchids, Leung suggests leaving them with a friend or neighbor who can provide daily care.
Preparing Your Plants Before You Leave
Outdoor Plants
Water your garden thoroughly before you depart and cover garden beds with a top dressing. “A barrier between sunlight and soil helps retain moisture,” says Barbosa.
Indoor Plants
Move mid-maintenance, tropical plants away from windows to reduce light exposure and water needs. Sonam Aditya, founder of Plant Shoppe, suggests clustering plants together to create a micro-environment that retains humidity. Ensure all plants are well-watered before leaving and turn off air conditioning to avoid drying out the plants and your home.
DIY Watering Methods
Here are three DIY methods to keep your plants watered:
1. String Drip Method
This method is ideal for multiple small plants and can keep them hydrated for one to three weeks.
Materials: Stainless steel pot, jute rope, plants.
Steps:
Water the plants thoroughly.
Fill the pot with room-temperature water.
Submerge and then place the rope in the plant soil and the other end in the pot.
Ensure the rope is on a downward slope for capillary action.
2. Submerged Globe Method
Suitable for larger plants, this method keeps them hydrated for one to two weeks.
Materials: Plastic water bottle, scissors, plants.
Steps:
Water the plant.
Poke small holes in the bottle and bury it in the soil, leaving the spout exposed.
Fill the bottle with water.
3. Homemade Ollas Method
This method is effective for garden plants and can last one to two weeks.
Materials: Unglazed terra-cotta pot, caulk or putty, hose or watering can.
Steps:
Water the soil where the pot will be placed.
Seal the pot’s hole with caulk.
Place the pot in the soil, fill with water, and cover with its saucer.
Products to Assist with Watering
If DIY methods aren’t suitable, consider purchasing self-watering planters. These planters have reservoirs that supply water as needed. They can last from one to three weeks but may not be reliable for all plants. Test them before you leave, and avoid using them for plants with shallow roots like snake plants and cactuses.
Shop Self-Watering Planters
- GROWNEER Self-Watering Hanging Flower Pot
- Viva Self-Watering Rolling Planter
- Amazon Self-Watering Planter Pots (5-Pack)
Best Low-Maintenance Plants
These plants are ideal for frequent travelers as they require minimal care:
- Snake plants
- ZZ plants
- Haworthias
- Cactuses
- Ponytail Palm
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can ensure your plants stay healthy while you’re away. Upon your return, give your plants a thorough watering, clean their leaves, and check for pests. Enjoy your vacation knowing your plants are well taken care of.
Related topics: