In order for them to flourish and last a long time, plants need to be watered regularly. Water is a vital element that not only keeps plants hydrated, but also transports nutrients from the soil to plant cells. That said, when you are preparing to travel, the question of watering your plants becomes a concern, especially when you have tropical plants that appreciate humidity.
You decide to take a vacation but you think about your plants which risk dehydrating in your absence! Don’t panic, there is a simple and effective solution that will keep them alive until your return. We tell you everything.
Watering plants even if you go on vacation is possible
To prevent your plants from drying out and keep them hydrated even when you go on vacation, you can use wool soaked in water.
This grandmother’s tip consists of placing a container of water high above your potted plant , for example on a chair. Water the plant first. Then put one end of the woolen wire into the container until it touches the bottom, and the other end into the potting soil. The plant will be able to hydrate thanks to the woolen thread which connects the container to the pot.
Note that you can replace the woolen thread with taut string or a plastic tube, making sure the end of the tube touches the bottom of the container of water.
What are other tips for watering plants while we are away?
To be able to travel with peace of mind knowing that your plants will not lack water, other tips can help you keep them hydrated.
- Watering plants using a drip watering system
To set up a drip watering system, take a large water bottle and unscrew the cap to drill a small hole in the center. Then fill the bottle with water, replace the cap and plant the bottle, upside down, in the ground, near your plants. Note that you will need a 1.5 L bottle for your potted plants, and a 5 L container for garden or vegetable garden plants. This drip watering is an economical and effective method of irrigation to keep your plants hydrated while you are away. However, it is advisable to install this watering system a few days before your departure, in order to check the flow of water, and to ensure that the diameter of the plug hole is suitable.
- Use gel water to water plants during the holidays
Gel water packets are a good alternative to watering plants. These sachets available in garden centers contain water which has been solidified. The gelled water is inserted into the earth. It liquefies slowly and this allows the plants to be watered gradually. You can place a sachet or two on the soil of your potted plant, depending on its water needs. Note that one sachet of gummy water can last up to a month.
- Use clay balls to water plants while we are away
Clay balls are very beneficial for plants. Placed at the bottom of the pot, they help promote drainage and aerate the substrate so that the roots develop better, in addition to maintaining the humidity of the soil. That said, before traveling, cover the surface of the soil of your potted plants or planters with clay balls. They will limit water evaporation and keep the soil moist.
In addition to these tips, there are certain measures to take before traveling. It is, in fact, advisable to move indoor plants into the shade, so that the sun does not dry them out, without depriving them of daylight. You can also keep your plants in a cool place like the bathroom , as long as it has a window and is bright. Also, regarding your garden plants, remember to remove weeds and wilted flowers before leaving to keep your plants healthier. If you have pots placed outside and you cannot move them, it is advisable to mulch the potting soil. Mulching is a natural thermal regulator which helps conserve soil moisture and space out watering.
Thanks to these different tips, your plants will not risk lacking water or wilting. You will be able to travel with peace of mind.
