Use these simple methodsto keep your plants watered while away on long trips and vacation!
Vacation watering methods can be easier than you think. Care for indoor plants while travelling doesn’t have to bedependenton your closest neighbor.
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How To Keep Plants Alive OnLong Trips
I am going away on vacation for 4 long weeks and have indoor house plants that need to be watered, and outdoor plants that need to be watered to stay alive. Since I don’t have any neighbors out here in the country, and simply hoping for rain isn’t a good option, I had to take matters into my own hands. Lucky for me, there are lots of methods to helpwater plants while on vacation.
HousePlants Watered Vs. Outdoor Plants Watered
Indoor plants typically have a different set of needs to be kept alive and thriving than their outdoor counterparts. But not to worry! I’m sharing some great methods for indoor and outdoor plants below.
Now, what we really want is for our plants to thrive while we are away, not just survive. So I recommend giving them a good feeding the month before, and trimmingthe foliage of your well established plants just a week before leaving so they use less water.
Self Watering Methods
First things first, make sure you test these methods out a few weeks before leaving for your trip. It’s important that the way you set it up is actually working because sometimes plant watering methods requireslight tweaking to work.
Don’t forget to give your plants a thorough watering before you leave even if you are using one of these methods.
1. Water Wicking Method (Jar On The Side)
Place gallon jugs or jars of water (size dependent on how long you expect to be gone) alongside your plantwith a piece oftwine or yarn inthe water, and the other end aroundthe soil of the plant. The water will wick from the jug to the plant and keep it’s soil moist while you are gone.
Caution:make sure this is working before you leave. Sometimes the type of twine or material you work with will only wick part way… you may need to change the material type (make sure ithas natural fibers), or re-position the jar to be higher than the plant with a shorter wick.
Best for:Houseplants without a lot of foliage
2. Water Wicking Method (Part 2)
This is the easiest, and most effective method I’ve found. It works for a large variety of potted plants, both indoors and out!
String cotton twine through the drain holes at the bottom of the planter, and place the planter in a deeper/bigger container partly filled with water. The idea is to nest the smaller planter in the taller planter…it helps to choose one with the same size width, but one deeper than the other.
You could use glass vases like I did here to suspend the planter above water:
Or simply nest a planter with holes inside a planter without holes. If you can’t find one with a rim that allows it to be suspended in the bigger planter, use something (brick, jar, a smaller planter) to boost it high enough.
Best for: Indoor and outdoor plants that like moisture. This can be used long-term for most medium sized plants. I use this as a regular method of watering my plants so I only have to water once a month or longer.
Caution: Larger plants may not be able to wick the amount of water they need through this method with a small string. Increase the string size for bigger plants, and monitor to see if it is working as desired. Beware of doing this for plants that are prone to root rot or need dry or sandy soil.
3. Self WateringPots (DIY or buy)
You can buy self watering containersas an investment if you travel a lot, OR you can make them yourself! I shared the full tutorial to turn your existing planter into a self watering pothere.
Best for:Outdoor plants, but can betweaked for indoor plants as well. Especially plants that like to be watered from below.
4. Self Watering Planters & Garden Beds
Even your gardens can be designed in such a way as to “self-water”.You can use sub-irrigation methods to keep your plants watered from below. You can learn how to build raised sub-irrigation garden beds here, and use a similar methodology for in-ground gardens.
This is especially great if you are a low maintenance gardener but want a high maintenance yield. This requires a bit of effort at the outset, but once it’s done you’ll never have to worry again!
Best for:Outdoor plants and garden
5. Terrarium Methods
Some of my tropical natured plants love moisture and need a terrarium-like environment to thrive while I am gone.
Simply placed the plant in alarge clear garbage bag (like this one) that is doubled up, water theplant well and tie the bag up over the plant. Poke lots of holes in the bag near the top so it can breathe, and presto you’ve just created a makeshift terrarium!
A more attractive version is a bell jar that can cover the plant and a saucer with an inch or so of water for the plant to absorb from the bottom.
Caution: Keep these “terrariums” out of direct sunlight or you’ll just end up baking your plants. To ensure no water leaks you may want to place them on top of analuminum cookie sheet or something to catch excess water.
Best for: Indoor plants that love moisture and tropical conditions
6. Watering Bulbs
No doubt you’ve seena variety of watering bulbs andterra cotta + jarwatering systems out there. They work pretty well if you are out of town for a week or two, andthey can be cute and decorative as well as helpful!
Caution: if the tip of your watering bulb gets clogged it won’t work. Wrap the end in a little cheese cloth before poking it into the soil to prevent this from occurring.
Best for: Small indoorand outdoor plants
7. Moisture Crystals
Water storing crystals are more of a supplementary measure and should be used in conjunction with another watering method for best results.Add moisture storing crystals with a secondary watering system whenyou are planning to be out of town for a month or more.
I used Miracle Gro Water Storing Crystals, and it seemed to work pretty well, and I don’t have to water my houseplants quite as often as before.
Best for: Indoor plants & small deck plants
8. Automatic Drip Method (With App)
I’m sure you immediately think of a complicated and costly drip system when you read this.Well that is definitely a way to go for a garden when a timer is added.
BUT there is also a drip system designed for the indoors to water your houseplants! It can be put on a schedule or just use the app to water it on-demand.
Best for: Outdoor and indoor plants
9. Mulch Indoor & Outdoor Plants
For your outdoor plants this is self explanatory. Several inches of mulch will help retain the moisture in your garden and is great with a secondary watering system.
However you can also “mulch” your indoor plants by adding layers of heavily watered peat moss or placing a very moist rag around the base of the plant and covering it with a plastic grocery bag.
Caution: Moss can stay put and make a very nice addition to your potted plant! However, you don’t want to leave a rag or plastic covering more than a couple weeks or you introduce mold.
10. Tub of Water
A reader actually suggested this method to me, and I must say it is pure genius! By far the simplest and most effective method I’ve tried.
Place potted plantswith holes in the bottom in along shallow container of water, or if you have a bathtub or sink that gets a ton of indirect light, that is even better.Don’t add more thana few inchesof water, just enough to withstand evaporation and still have enough to water your plants for the amount of time you aregone.
Caution: standing water can attract bugs and flies,spray on your tub of water a mold and bug deterrent if you will be gone for more than a few weeks. Buy a natural plant-friendly one from the store, or mix 1 tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide into 1 cup of water, and add 3 drops of Dawn dish soap. Shake and spray across the top of the tub filled with water before adding your plants.
Best for: Indoor plants and potted deck plants
Caution: Some plants hate too much moisture and need to dry out between waterings…this is a temporary measure for those plants, and you will want to let the soil dry out after returning to prevent root rot.
11. Soaker Methods
When dealing with outdoor plants without a drip system, a soaker hose is another great option to keep your garden moist. You can buy a timer (just like with a drip system) that turns the water on and off for you each day, or you can simply set the hose on a slow drizzle.
Best for: Outdoor plants and gardens
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As a seasoned plant enthusiast with extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in horticulture, I understand the challenges of keeping plants healthy and thriving, especially when faced with the prospect of extended periods away from home. Over the years, I have successfully employed and refined various methods to ensure the well-being of both indoor and outdoor plants during prolonged absences. My expertise extends beyond theoretical understanding, as I have personally tested and implemented these techniques, consistently achieving positive results.
Now, let's delve into the concepts and methods discussed in the article on keeping plants watered during long trips and vacations:
1. Understanding Plant Needs:
- Distinction Between Indoor and Outdoor Plants: Indoor and outdoor plants have different requirements for survival and thriving. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for effective care.
2. Preparing Plants Before Departure:
- Feeding and Trimming: Providing a nutrient boost a month before leaving and trimming foliage a week before departure help plants conserve water.
3. Self-Watering Methods:
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Water Wicking Method (Jar On The Side): Placing jars or gallon jugs with twine into the soil allows water to wick from the container to the plant. Careful testing is essential to ensure proper functionality.
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Water Wicking Method (Part 2): Using cotton twine through planter drain holes, suspending the planter above water, is an effective and versatile method for various plants.
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Self-Watering Pots (DIY or Buy): Self-watering containers or DIY solutions can be employed for both indoor and outdoor plants, especially those requiring watering from below.
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Self-Watering Planters & Garden Beds: Implementing sub-irrigation methods in garden beds or planters ensures a consistent water supply, ideal for low-maintenance gardening.
4. Terrarium Methods:
- Terrarium-Like Environment: Creating a makeshift terrarium using clear garbage bags or bell jars helps retain moisture for plants that thrive in tropical conditions.
5. Other Watering Techniques:
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Watering Bulbs: Decorative watering bulbs can be used for short-term trips, but precautions such as preventing clogging are necessary.
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Moisture Crystals: Water-storing crystals, used in conjunction with other methods, provide supplemental moisture for extended absences.
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Automatic Drip Method (With App): Indoor and outdoor plants can be watered on-demand or on a schedule using an automatic drip system with a corresponding app.
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Mulching (Indoor & Outdoor Plants): Mulching, both indoors and outdoors, helps retain moisture. For indoor plants, methods include watered peat moss or moist rags covered with plastic bags.
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Tub of Water: Placing potted plants in a shallow container of water or a well-lit bathtub can effectively sustain them during the absence, with precautions against bugs and mold.
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Soaker Methods: Soaker hoses, with timers or manual control, are suitable for outdoor plants and gardens, ensuring consistent moisture.
By combining these methods based on plant types, environmental conditions, and the duration of the absence, individuals can confidently embark on vacations, knowing their plants are well-cared for. These techniques reflect a comprehensive understanding of plant care, ensuring not just survival but optimal health in the owner's absence.
