How to Water Plants Whilst Away

Plants are great decorations for your home or office, and they help to improve air quality. However, plants need regular watering to stay healthy. If you’re planning a trip or will be away from home for a few days, you might be wondering how to keep your plants alive. Fortunately, with a little bit of planning and preparation, you can keep your plants healthy even when you’re away. In this guide, we’ll show you some of the best ways to water your plants whilst away.

1. Create a self-watering system

If you’re going to be away for a few days or more, a self-watering system can help to keep your plants hydrated. There are different types of self-watering systems, but most consist of a reservoir of water that slowly releases water to the plant. Some systems use wicks to slowly draw water from the reservoir to the plant’s soil. Other systems use drip irrigation, which releases water to the plant drop by drop.

You can buy self-watering planters or make your own. To make your own self-watering system, you can use an empty plastic bottle. Cut a small hole in the cap and flip the bottle upside down. Bury the bottle in the plant’s soil, with the cap down. Fill the bottle with water and the water will slowly release to the plant, keeping it hydrated for up to a week or more.

2. Use a watering globe

A watering globe is a glass bulb with a long stem that you can fill with water and insert into the soil. The water slowly releases from the globe into the plant’s soil, keeping it hydrated. Watering globes come in different sizes and shapes, and some have a decorative design, which makes them perfect for indoor plants.

Watering globes work best for plants that require consistent moisture, such as ferns, orchids, and peace lilies. They can keep your plants hydrated for up to two weeks, depending on the size of the globe and the plant’s water needs.

3. Get a plant-sitter

If you have a friend or neighbor who loves plants and is willing to take care of your plants whilst you’re away, consider asking them to be your plant-sitter. Explain to them how much water each plant needs and how often they need to be watered. Give them clear instructions and leave them with all the necessary tools to care for your plants.

A plant-sitter is a good option if you have a lot of plants or if you’re planning to be away for an extended period. Make sure to thank your plant-sitter and show your appreciation with a thoughtful gift or gesture.

4. Move your plants to a shaded area

If you’ll only be away for a few days, you can move your plants to a shaded area to reduce their water needs. Direct sunlight can cause plants to lose water quickly, so moving them to a cooler, shaded area can help to preserve the moisture in the soil.

Choose an area that gets some indirect sunlight, such as a covered porch or a shady spot in your yard. Group your plants together to create a microclimate that retains moisture. Make sure to water your plants well before moving them to their new location.

Conclusion

Keeping your plants hydrated whilst away requires some planning and preparation, but it's worth the effort to keep your plants healthy and alive. Whether you create a self-watering system, use a watering globe, get a plant-sitter, or move your plants to a shaded area, there are many ways to ensure that your plants get the water they need whilst you’re away.

Remember to choose the method that works best for your plants' needs and your schedule. With a little bit of creativity and care, you can enjoy healthy and vibrant plants all year round.