Keeping houseplants healthy is not as easy as you think. Finding the perfect balance of light, temperature, and potting conditions while ensuring regular watering demands a lot. Establishing a routine is convenient, but even a small three-day getaway can disrupt the harmony. Thankfully, there’s a solution that doesn’t involve entrusting your dog sitter with this task.
Understand the Needs of Your Houseplants
The types of houseplants you own lay the foundation for your vacation care strategy. When establishing a plan, pause and assess the distinctive requirements of your plants, such as drought tolerance, sun exposure, size, for how long, and at what time of the year you’ll be away. Nathan Heinrich, a horticulturist and landscape designer at Nathan Heinrich Design, says that orchids, succulents, and cacti might be low-maintenance exceptions, but for the majority of the plants that need hydration, a trip of up to two weeks calls for a creative solution.
The Plastic Water Bottle Method
Keeping plants hydrated while you’re away requires nothing more than a humble plastic water bottle. Brody Hall, a certified horticulturist at The Indoor Nursery, unveils this intriguing method. Start by filling a sealed bottle with water, drill a small opening through the cap, and stick the bottle upside down in the soil. This will serve as a lifeline to your plants during your absence. However, while effective for shorter getaways, this technique has limitations. Extended vacations can exhaust the water supply, leaving your house plants dehydrated.
A Bathtub Oasis for Your Plants
For those graced with a bathtub, you hold the key to an endless hydration opportunity for your houseplants, assuming they’re planted in pots with drainage holes. Leslie Vincent, a gardening expert and horticulturist at Atkins Garden Shop, introduces the timeless approach. By submerging your plant-filled pots in one or two inches of water with unobscured drainage holes, you can create a mini hydration haven. Vincent clarifies that with this method, your cherished plants can remain quenched for up to a week.
Consider a Plant Sitter
If all else fails and your houseplants require personalized care, the ultimate solution is to engage the services of a devoted plant sitter. Whether it be a neighbor, housekeeper, or a professional online task service – Heinrich suggests this as salvation. For those deeply connected to their plants or embarking on a longer journey, rely on a plant sitter and provide them with detailed instructions for each plant’s individual needs. You can request regular photos to stay updated with their condition and guide necessary adjustments.