How Can I Keep My Indoor Plants Watered While on Vacation?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re planning to go on vacation, you might be worried about how to keep your indoor plants alive and healthy while you’re away. Fortunately, there are a few simple strategies you can use to ensure your plants stay hydrated even when you’re not there to water them.

1. Water thoroughly before leaving: One of the best things you can do for your plants is to give them a good drink of water before you leave. Be sure to saturate the soil so that it’s moist all the way through.

2. Use self-watering planters: Self-watering planters are a great option for those who want to take an extended vacation without worrying about their plants. These containers have a reservoir that holds water and releases it slowly as the soil dries out.

3. Try wick watering: Wick watering is another method that can help keep your plants hydrated while you’re away.

To do this, place one end of a cotton wick into a container of water and the other end into the soil of your plant. The wick will draw water up from the container and into the soil as needed.

4. Create a DIY watering system: If you have several plants that need watering, consider setting up a DIY watering system using plastic tubing and drip emitters. This will allow water to drip slowly onto each plant over time without any effort on your part.

  • Note: Be sure to test any watering system before leaving for vacation to ensure it’s working properly.

5. Ask a friend or neighbor for help: If all else fails, consider asking a trusted friend or neighbor to come by and water your plants while you’re away. Be sure to give them clear instructions on what needs to be done and how often.

Tips for Watering Indoor Plants while on Vacation

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t overwater:

While it’s important to keep your plants hydrated, you don’t want to overwater them and risk causing root rot. Make sure the soil is moist but not soaked.

2. Move plants away from direct sunlight:

Placing your plants in direct sunlight can cause the soil to dry out more quickly. Move them to a cooler, shadier spot while you’re away.

3. Cover plants with plastic:

If you’re going to be gone for an extended period, consider covering your plants with plastic to help retain moisture in the soil.

4. Consider plant-specific needs:

Different types of plants have different watering needs. Be sure to research the specific requirements of each plant before leaving for vacation.

With these strategies and tips, you should be able to keep your indoor plants healthy and hydrated even when you’re not there to tend them. Happy travels!