If you’re a fan of traveling as much as the next person, you know how stressful getting ready to leave can be. Whether it’s a quick trip out of town or an extended vacation, the fear of forgetting something is ever prevalent in mind. As a student and avid traveler myself, I always stress over not just packing but what to do with my plants while I’m away. Through trial and error, I’ve put together my four favorite methods of plant care while you’re away. When reading below, make sure to consider how often you should be watering your plants and how long you’ll be gone!

 

1. Shower the plants

Pros: Easy to do at home; Long-lasting effects

Cons: Possible development of fungus if done incorrectly; Possibility of overwatering

Ready to leave for vacay? Before you do, bring the plants you can maneuver into a shower, sink, or bathtub and give them a good soak. The drainage in the tub or floor is perfect for the water runoff in the plants. Ideally, this process goes as follows: 

Step 1: Drench plants with water until it runs out the drainage holes

Step 2: Repeat step 1 for good measure

Step 3: Once soaked, let pots drain while wiping down the leaves

Step 4: Place plants back on saucers to collect any excess water

*Soak plants during the day; soaking them at night may create fungus

For bigger plants, water normally with a can until water drains out of the pot. This process gives the plants enough water to last them one to two weeks.

 

2. Use Self-watering planters

Pros: Very easy (just replace the water in the pot)

Cons: Costly

Self-watering planters are another possible method. While they cost money, these planters function with an inner and outer pot. The outer pot contains a water reservoir while the inner pot sits on top of it. The inner pot has extra drainage holes where you can thread rope to draw water from the pool to the soil, maintaining the correct moisture level (similar process with method #4).

*Remember to change the water when returning from vacation as not to contract pests or fungus

 

3. Use Self-watering bulbs

Pros: Good for plants that need continual water

Cons: Costly; potential overwatering may occur; the possibility of water releasing too quickly

Self-watering bulbs are quickly on the rise in the plant community. Due to their fun and whimsical shapes made of glass or plastic, these are particularly aesthetically pleasing. To work these correctly, follow these steps:

Step 1: Fill the bulb with water

Step 2: Cover sprout with a small piece of coffee filter

Step 3: Make a hole in the soil away from any significant roots

Step 4: Make sure the bulb is deep enough in the soil, so it gets to the roots and doesn’t release water too quickly

*Remember saucer/drip tray underneath to avoid potential water damage

 

4. Water-wicking Drip Systems

Pros: Last a long time; good for plants needing water a few times per week

Cons: Potential for underwatering(make sure string is secure and deep enough in soil)

This DIY method for keeping the soil moist during the long break is very cost-effective and similar to the second process. This can keep the plants watered up to 3 weeks long and is best for plants needing to be watered 3x per week. The steps of the procedure are as the following:

Step 1: Cut a piece of cotton rope (one per plant) and set up a vase on a heightened stand

Step 2: Water plant and fill up the vase with water

Step 3: Place one end of your string in the vase with water and the other one deep in the pot (near the root ball)

An additional tip for plant parents- if you move the plants to a place with indirect light, (indirect not shady), it may save you a few days of watering. That is due to the direct glare of the sun drying the soil faster than indirect light.