How to Care for Plants While Away
Summer is here and after this past year, who isn’t ready to travel? But no need to kill all your new plant babies at the expense of getting away! We have four simple methods that are quick and easy, using supplies you probably already have in your home. Read on to learn how to care for plants while away on vacation!
Always start this process with a thorough watering, unless otherwise instructed. Keep in mind the season of your travels, plants need more water over summer than they do winter. It may also be a good idea to move plants to indirect sunlight if they are not already as they will need less water.
Wick Watering
How it works:
This watering method works by connecting a water source to your plant through a cotton string. Cotton is very absorbent and can easily transfer the water. The longer you will be away, the larger your water source should be. This method is great for watering multiple plants at once!
Materials:
Cotton rope
Container to hold water (ex. Bucket, bowl, large cup)
Set Up:
After getting out your cotton rope and selecting a container to hold water, you will want to measure out the length of rope you will need. When measuring make sure the rope has enough slack to reach the bottom of the water source, and on the plant side, the string will need to reach several inches under the soil. More slack is better than less! Next, take one end of your cut rope and carefully push it down several inches into your plant, close to the plant. Be mindful of the roots and cover the area back up with soil to make sure the rope stays. Now, place the other end of your rope into your water container.
Make sure your water container is filled and you are good to go! You can water multiple plants using this setup, just add more ropes.
Drip System
How it works:
Water slowly leaks out into the soil.
Materials:
Plastic water bottle or wine bottle depending on your plants size
Tools to create holes (drill, hammer and nails, etc)
Set Up:
Using your method of choice, create 4-6 small holes in the cap of the bottle you will be using. Skip this step if using a wine bottle (larger pots only). Fill the bottle with water and put the lid back on. Flip the bottle upside-down and stick the bottle into the soil, it should be a few inches deep and not too close to your plant. If using a wine bottle, use your thumb to cover the opening, flip and stick it into the soil.
This method will last about 5 days or so.
Give Your Plants a Bath
How it works:
This method gives your plants water at their base by filling up your tub with a few inches of water. It works best for plants that require lots of water and not much sunlight that have excellent drainage. Also keep in mind whether your plants like to be wetter or dryer before selecting this method.
Materials:
Bathtub
Towel
Set Up:
Fill up your bathtub with a few inches of water and after place a towel down. The towel is to prevent any scratches. Place your potted plants in the tub and that’s it! The soil draws water up to the roots, keeping the plant watered for about a week.
Create a Mini Greenhouse
How it works:
By creating a tiny greenhouse, water that evaporates can’t escape and it then drips back to your plant! This method may take a little more prep time, but it is the best for extended trips.
Materials:
Stakes
Plastic Bag (that will fit over your plant)
Set Up:
The goal of the stakes is to keep the plastic bag from touching your plant, therefore we recommend using 3 to 4 stakes. Place the stakes around the edge of the pot, evenly spaced. Make sure the stakes are slightly taller than your plant. Water your plant as normal and do not overwater. Make sure to leave your plant in indirect light as direct light will heat up the bag too much, killing your plant. Next, wrap your plant in the bag, making sure the stakes help to set up a tent so as little of the plastic bag is touching the plant as possible.
Happy travels and good luck taking care of your plants while away!
Show us how you care for your plants while away and tag us on Instagram @tropicalplantsofflorida with your setup!
