How to Keep Plants Alive While Away: Do These 8 Things

So, you are planning on an exciting vacation but now you are stressing the best way to keep your plants alive while away on your trip? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! 

We understand you need a break from your work life and enjoying a trip with your friends is quite a nice way to freshen up and rejuvenate yourself. After all, trips are quite important and good for your health. But what about your plants? Who is going to look after them and keep them alive when you’re on the vacation?

You no longer have to be concerned about them. This article explains how to keep your plants alive and watered while you’re away.

8 Things to Do to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re Out of Town

Remember that before you start, make sure to thoroughly water all of your plants, regardless of the method you use. Soak the plant base of pots, containers, and hanging baskets until the water level rises above the dirt. Allow this to settle in before repeating.

Continue reading the following tips and methods to know how you can keep your plants healthy when you’re away.

1. Separate Your Plants

You should divide your plants into sizes, types, and levels of neediness a few days before you depart. Remember that smaller plants require more care and hydration than larger plants.

Succulents don’t require any special attention while you’re away. It’s one of the many reasons why people buy them! They require no little to no maintenance and make your home look cute. They can go for up to two weeks without water, so water them before you go and don’t be too concerned about them. If you travel frequently, they’re excellent options.

The next step is to divide tropical and leafy plants into two groups: those that require frequent watering and those that do not. Finally, before you go, think about the temperature that your plants demand.

2. Tweak Your Room Temperature

Set the temperature. Determine which area of your space is the sunniest and place your plants suitably. Many plants prefer moderate temperatures regardless of the season, so adjust your heat or air conditioning accordingly.

Tropical houseplants prefer temperatures ranging from 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want to increase the humidity level in your home during the winter, arrange your plants together on a tray of stones and fill it with water. It will benefit the plants.

If your plants require humidity, you can place them in your bathroom but at the same time, make sure your bathroom gets enough sunlight.

3. Arrange for A Plant Sitter

If you are taking a long trip, then it might be best to appoint a plant sitter who can take care of your plants when you are away. 

Most plants can survive for 10 days without the need for water. However, you will have to arrange for a sitter for vacations of ten days or longer. Get all your indoor plants and place them near the front door of your house or another accessible area.

So when you’re gone, ask your friend, housekeeper, neighbor, or building staff to water your plants.

4. Plastic Bag Method

First, water your plants like you normally do. Do not overwater it. Get a clear plastic bag that will fit your plant and its pot. To keep the bag from sticking to the plants, add stakes to the container. Make sure your bag does not come into contact with the leaves.

Condensation will occur if the plastic bag is sealed. The water will be captured when it evaporates in this small greenhouse. Extra moisture falls back into the soil, creating a water recycling mechanism that makes water available to the roots once more.

However, direct sunshine will warm up the bag and might kill your plant, so place it somewhere with indirect light.

5. Invest in A Self Watering Pot

You can buy self-watering pots. Self-watering containers are practical, save water, and promote plant health.

Water from a built-in tank is distributed via wicking motion in these pots and containers, allowing you to conveniently water your plants by filling up the reservoir. This is a great way to make sure your plants are watered daily when you’re away.

There are also kits for transforming regular pots into self-watering pots, which can keep your plants healthy and alive while you’re away.

6. Watering Bulbs

While you’re gone, use a watering globe to assist plants that need moist soil to grow. If you’re going to be out of home for a week or two, watering bulbs are a good option, and they’re also lovely and decorative.

Many people use them to aid in the watering of both indoor and outdoor plants.

7. Wicking Method

This is the simplest and most efficient way to keep your plant hydrated when you’re out. It’s suitable for a wide range of potted plants, both indoors and outdoors!

You’ll need a large water bottle and some cotton rope for this. First, cut a long piece of cotton rope. It should fit between the bottom of your water jug as well as the soil of your plant.

Bury one end of the rope a few inches into the soil’s surface, near the plant. Make sure the roots aren’t disturbed. Pour water in the container halfway and place the other end of the string at the bottom. Ensure the rope contacts the container’s bottom.

This method keeps the soil moist for a period of 1-3 weeks. It’s interesting to note that you can use multiple wicks for multiple plants.

8. Drip Method

This is another simple watering method. All you need is a clean plastic bottle. Drill holes in it (near the top of the bottle).

Next, fill the bottle with as much water as your plant requires, then turn it upside down and put the cap in the potting soil, being careful not to injure the roots. Water will now gently leak out of the soil as it dries.

Some Other Things to Keep in Mind

Remove any plants from heat vents and areas with a lot of direct sunlight. It might cause sunburn, so place them a few feet away from direct sunlight. Keep them together to promote shade and moisture retention.  A light curtain can also be used to shield your plants from direct sunlight.

Mulch your indoor plants with peat moss that has been well-watered. It acts as an insulating coating, reducing the amount of water required by the plant. In addition, it keeps the soil hydrated for a couple of weeks.

Throw or give away the buds, blooms, and ripe fruits from the plants. The plant will not waste energy and water trying to keep them alive. By the time you come home, they’ll have already passed their prime.

To keep your plants moist, water them and lay damp newspaper around them in the soil. You can also put the newspaper on the bottom of potted plants. The plant can then draw up the water when it is needed.

Increase the flow of air. Turn on your ceiling fan and keep it at its lowest. This will assist in the circulation of stale air.

Do not use fertilizers. You want your plants to develop as slowly as possible while you’re away, so if you’re going to use fertilizer, wait until you get back. Also, avoid fertilizing for a few weeks before your trip.

Conclusion

Water your plants before you leave for your vacation. We hope that these houseplant care ideas will assist you in keeping your indoor plants alive while you are away. Have a safe journey!