If you’re planning on going on vacation for a month, you may be wondering how to keep your house plants alive and healthy while you’re away. Fortunately, there are several ways to ensure your plants get the water they need even when you’re not there to tend to them. Here are some tips to help keep your plants thriving in your absence.
1. Water Them Well Before You Leave
One of the most important things you can do before leaving for an extended period is to make sure your plants are well-hydrated. This means giving them a thorough watering the day before you leave. Be sure to use room-temperature water, and water until the soil is saturated and excess water drains out of the bottom of the pot.
2. Create a Self-Watering System
A self-watering system is an excellent option for keeping your plants hydrated while you’re away. There are several ways to create a self-watering system, but one of the easiest is to use a wick system.
To do this, fill a container with water and place it near your plants. Then, take a piece of cotton or nylon string and lay one end in the container of water and place the other end in the soil of your plant. The string will act as a wick, drawing water from the container into the soil as needed.
Materials:
- A container with water
- Cotton or nylon string
3. Use Watering Spikes
Watering spikes are another effective way to keep your plants hydrated while you’re away on vacation. These handy gadgets come in various sizes and can be used with any type of plant pot or container.
Simply fill a bottle or jug with water and attach the watering spike onto it before inserting it into the soil of your plant. The spike will release water slowly into the soil, ensuring your plants get the moisture they need.
Materials:
- Watering spikes
- Bottle or jug
4. Group Your Plants Together
Another way to keep your plants hydrated while you’re away is to group them together. Plants release moisture through a natural process called transpiration, which creates a humid microclimate around them. By grouping your plants closely together, you can help to create a more humid environment that will help keep them hydrated.
5. Hire a Plant Sitter
If you have particularly sensitive or valuable plants that require specific care, hiring a plant sitter may be your best option. A plant sitter can come in and water your plants as needed while you’re away, ensuring they stay healthy and vibrant until you return.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can make sure your house plants stay hydrated even when you’re on vacation for an extended period. Whether you choose to create a self-watering system or hire a plant sitter, taking steps to care for your plants before leaving will help ensure they stay healthy and happy until you return home.