If you love having indoor plants in your home, then you also know the struggle that comes with it, especially when you want to go on a vacation. It’s not always practical to have a “plant-sitter,” so you need to figure out how to keep plants watered while on vacation.
Figuring out how to keep plants alive while you’re away isn’t as complicated as you think. With some crafty hands and a bit of scientific knowledge, you can come up with a homemade solution for it. Here are five different ideas for how to create self-watering systems for your indoor plants.
How to keep plants watered while on vacation: Saucer or bowl of water
This method is simple and the most common way for how to water garden while away. For many household plants, using a saucer or a large bowl filled with water can work wonders.
Add your potted plant to an inundated saucer so that the roots can certainly reach the water. Then, just leave the plant in place as they use up the water over time. This method can sustain your plants for a good two to three days.
Water bottles
Preferably using a bottle with an aluminum cap, poke five miniature holes in the cap. A hammer and nail might be useful here. Then, fill the bottle with water and stick it cap first into the soil.
Bury the neck of the bottle a few inches deep before compacting the surrounding soil to prevent movement. This method will keep your plants hydrated for around five days.
If you have an important business trip, there’s absolutely no need to worry. The watering bottle has you covered!
Plant bath
Plants that require lots of water but limited sun will love this method. Fill up your bath with whatever amount of water your plants need.
It’s recommended to lay a towel atop the tub to prevent any scratches from your pots. Then, simply add your pot to the tub, making sure the roots will get ample amounts of water.
This method can maintain your plants for about a week.
String drip
This method is innovative and harnesses the power of physics to create a bridge from any water source to your plant.
Cotton ropes work the best due to their amazing absorption.
Simply take the piece of cotton rope and connect it from your plant pot to a source of water. A jar of water will work.
Bury one end of the rope in your pot so that it can effectively hydrate the roots with the water from the jar. You now have a water dripper for plants.
The rest is magic.
Plastic bag for plants
The greenhouse effect can make it easy to maintain your plants for months at a time.
Grab a large, transparent plastic bag for plants. Wrap it around your plant, but make sure it’s not too tight.
The clear plastic container simultaneously allows sunlight into the system while trapping escaping heat.
This simple mastery of physics has helped foster plant growth for centuries! Keep your plant out of direct sunlight to prevent overheating and sun damage. Use wooden stakes to manipulate the plastic bag so that it doesn’t touch the leaves.
Water your plant as usual. The makeshift greenhouse will capture evaporated water and then recycle it within the system. This method can sustain your plant for about half a year!
Takeaway
Whichever watering system for potted plants you choose is already a big help in keeping your plants alive and thriving even while you’re away. And now that you know how to keep plants watered while on vacation, go pack your bags and enjoy a worry-free holiday!
Source: Brightside, CNET, NASA, Pro Flowers