As plant parents, we know all too well the hassles of trying to figure out what to do with our green babies while we travel. The last thing you want to come home to is wilted, yellowed plant babies. Should I water the plants with more water before I go? Do I need someone to babysit them for me? It took me years (and a few sad plants) to get it right. As an avid traveller, I like to take trips but that doesn’t mean I am willing to sacrifice my plants; I want to make sure my plants are well taken care of. These are some easy tried-and-true tips for keeping your outdoor and indoor plants happy and healthy while you’re away.
#1 The Bottle Solution
Bottles are great for taking care of plants that need watering every day while you’re away. This method will last you for 3-4 days.
1. Puncture mini holes in the cap
2. Fill the bottle with water
3. Take the bottle off the cap and fill it to the brim with water. Put the cap back on the lid.
4. Place the bottle into the soil.
#2 Pamper Them With A Bath
Create a make-shift bathtub for your plants while you’re gone for the week. Keep in mind that this method works best for plants that require a lot of water.
1. Fill up a large bucket, container or bowl with a couple of inches of water
2. Lay out a towel to cover the bucket, container or bowl
3. Place plants in the bucket, container or bowl, making sure the plants are in pots with good drainage so the water can soak through the roots.
#3 DIY Drip System
This method can keep your plants watered and healthy for three weeks! A simple DIY water system can be made using a simple cotton string. Also known as wick watering, the system is great for those with more than one plant as you can water multiple plants at a time.
1. Cut the cotton rope - you want the rope to be long enough so that it is loose and floppy inside the tub/ container of water and also be able to reach several inches under the soil.
2. Push one end of the rope several inches under each of the plants’ soil, then cover each rope with soil to make sure it stays. Have the other end of the rope placed in the vase or bucket filled with water.
3. Fill up the tub/ container with water and then water the plants to start the process.
Notes:
Use cotton rope because this is the most absorbent material that will easily transfer into the soil of the plants.
The more water you supply in the external bucket or vase, the longer your plants will be taken care of.