Going on holiday is as exciting as it is stressful. Putting pets in kennels is already expensive enough, but at least the problem is then taken care of. Booking your AirBnB can be risky due to cancellations, though you can always put your money into a Sercotel to be guaranteed a good time.
These add up, and so the last thing you want to do is pay for a plant-sitter. Wilted or dead plants are expensive to replace, and you’re never completely sure if they’ll be fine upon your return. Without regular care in the warmer months, they can rapidly get dehydrated. But, there are some things you can do.
Pre-Departure Plant Prep
Before leaving, the obvious step is to give each plant a thorough watering. You can soak pots at the base until water rises above the soil surface; allow it to drain completely to avoid root rot, though. Inspect the plants for any pests or diseases and remove the damaged leaves or wilted flowers.
Placing damp newspaper sheets on the top of the soil can help retain moisture longer, too. If you’re traveling during winter months, remember that many houseplants enter dormancy during colder seasons and will naturally require less water. Finally, move them away from any heating vents or drafty windows.
DIY Watering Solutions
Some DIY solutions can help provide water to your plants during your absence. A popular method is the wick watering technique, where you place one end of a cotton rope or rag into a container filled with water and the other end into the plant’s soil. The plant will then draw moisture as and when needed.
Alternatively, you can use bottle irrigation by filling a plastic or glass bottle with water, puncturing small holes in its cap, and inserting it upside-down into the soil. This will slowly releases water over several days, though it can be tricky to get the exact flow rate right.
Environmental Adjustments
The next step is to adjust your plants’ environment, as this can have the biggest impact on their hydration needs. For example, you can move all indoor plants away from direct sunlight to reduce evaporation rates. Grouping plants closely together can create an effective microclimate that increases ambient humidity to further reduced evaporation. Don’t fertilize the plants upon leaving as this will spur growth and therefore demand more water.
Duration-Based Strategies
The length of your vacation is of course important to consider. With short weekend trips, you can get away with some pre-departure watering—especially if you move plants out of direct sunlight. Standard one-week vacations benefit from self-watering methods like wick watering or bottle irrigation systems, though it will depend on the plant species of course.
For longer absences, such as a three week trip, try combining multiple methods, such as self-watering containers with built-in reservoirs. Otherwise, you can always invest in an automated watering system.
Returning Home: Recovery Care
As you walk through the door, one of the first things you’ll do is to check on each plant. If any soil appears completely dry or cracked, make sure to rehydrate gradually rather than flooding it, as the latter will cause shock. You can now move the plants back into their original locations, but do so gradually, as sudden exposure to bright sunlight could stress them. Chuck out the damp newspaper and temporary watering setups, and you can expect some minor leaf drop or yellowing due to temporary stress. Gently prune affected leaves and keep a close eye on pests that may have taken advantage of their weakened conditions.
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