Many gardeners and plant lovers lead very hectic lives.
Many may also constantly be on the go and travel quite a lot, so if they decide to take that vacation, they need to find ways to care for their plants- water their indoor plants. The situation is even more challenging for those who live alone and have no one to care for the plants in their absence.
Before Vacation Plant Watering Guide
While you can rely on your family members or neighbors to lend a helping hand and water the plants occasionally, they might do more harm than good if they do it wrongly. You know your plants best, after all.
You can group your plants according to their watering needs and provide your plant-sitter with relevant instructions in written form, maybe even a sticky note, if you like, and assign a name and watering needs to each group.
However, if there is no one to care for your plants, here is what you can do before leaving to make sure your plants do not give you a cold welcome, looking withered, flowerless, and leafless.
Keep the indoor temperature cool
Make sure to check your thermostat before you leave. The temperature should not fall below 55 degrees F, but the plants will need more water if it is too hot.
The temperature should be moderate in wintertime so your plants do not develop leaf mold.
You can also increase airflow by leaving a ceiling fan on.
Move the plants away from direct sunlight
Move the plant pots to a shady spot because your plants retain more water. Avoid drafty spots and heat vents, too.
Outdoor plants can also be grouped in the shade, which will reduce transpiration and evaporation so that plants can go on longer without their drinks.
Water thoroughly before you leave
Make sure to let the soil dry and then thoroughly soak the plants until the water drains out through the drainage holes.
You are lucky if you have succulents and cacti for houseplants since they need less care than, let’s say, any flowering plant.
Give your plants a proper haircut
Trimming your plants and removing dead leaves may help them retain some water, and you can also add mulch, wood chips, and rocks for the same reason.
But do not make mulching your habit and a long-term solution since it encourages pests.
Increase humidity
To boost humidity, consider grouping moisture-loving plants in a tub or sink partially filled with water. Additionally, placing pots filled with water in sunny spots can enhance evaporation and raise humidity levels.
Skip fertilizer
Postpone fertilizing for when you return, as you want your plants to grow as slowly as possible.
Watering Methods
Having done those steps, you need to consider providing your plants with enough water while you are away. Here is what you can do so that your plants do not die of thirst.
A wick system
Use a string made of cotton or T-shirt yarn (anything that holds water). Place one end in the water bucket, wrap the other around the plant stem, or stick it down into the soil. Place the bucket above the plant’s base so water can travel down the string more easily.
What happens is that the string will soak up the water and feed the plant like a vegetative umbilical cord.
You can also place more strings in one bucket of water and feed more plants.
Water and wine bottle hack
Poke a few holes in the screw top of the wine bottle with a screwdriver, fill it with water, and place it upside down in the soil of the plant.
This can be done with a water bottle, too; for plants needing less water, ensure it is sturdy and does not fall.
You can also put the bottle straight into the soil, with only the neck of the bottle exposed.
However, please do not put the bottle in dry soil as it will absorb all the water immediately.
Bathtub
Fill the bath, the sink, or any bucket with water and leave your moisture-loving plants in.
Other plants vulnerable to overwatering should be placed on top of gravel or bricks rather than water only.
Smaller plants can be placed on the pebbles topped off with water on a tray or a saucer.
*In case you experience problems with mosquitoes because of the stale water, mix a tablespoon of 1% hydrogen peroxide, a few drops of dishwasher liquid, and one cup of water and spray the water and the surface the plants are in.
Temporary greenhouse
Place a well-watered plant in a plastic bag, fill it with air, and seal it. Make sure that the bag does not touch the plant.
Water-storing crystals
Fill water-storing crystals with water and let them grow in size. Place them over the surface of the plants.
Ready-made products from the store
The last and the most expensive option is to buy ready-made self-watering products, like automatic sprinkler timers, install a drip irrigation system, or buy a self-watering probe, but be careful because it can clog and your money goes down the drain.
Regardless of the type of self-watering system you choose, test it a week before you embark on your vacation.
By following these easy steps, you can travel safely, knowing that your plants have been cared for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Watering at the Base: Directly water the soil at the base of the plant rather than overhead. This allows water to reach the roots where it’s needed most and helps prevent foliage diseases.
Deep Watering: Ensure that you water deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the soil and reach the root zone. This encourages deep root growth and helps plants become more drought-resistant.
Watering Consistently: Maintain a consistent watering schedule rather than sporadic watering. This helps prevent under or over-watering, which can stress plants. Adjust watering frequency based on factors like weather conditions and plant needs.
The most effective watering technique is generally considered to be watering at the base of the plant, directly onto the soil. This allows the water to reach the plant’s roots where it’s needed most efficiently.
Watering at the base helps prevent water loss due to evaporation and reduces the risk of foliage diseases by keeping the leaves dry.
The amount of water your plants need depends on factors like plant type, size, and environmental conditions. As a general rule, aim to water your plants thoroughly until the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Adjust your watering frequency based on the specific needs of your plants and observe them regularly for signs of underwatering or overwatering, such as wilting or yellowing leaves.
The best watering schedule for a garden depends on various factors, including the climate, soil type, and types of plants in the garden. However, a general guideline is to water deeply and less frequently rather than shallowly and frequently.
It’s typically recommended to water in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Monitor the moisture levels in the soil regularly and adjust your watering schedule based on weather conditions and the specific needs of your plants. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
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