Methods for Watering Indoor Plants While on Vacation
There are cheap and easy methods of watering plants while on vacation, and these plant watering methods are proven to work. When you come home from your vacation, you’ll find your indoor plants alive, healthy, and well watered. Try one of the following methods of watering your indoor plants before your next vacation. Find the plant watering method that works best for you, and you’ll never again worry about your indoor plants when you’re on vacation.
Plastic Bag Method
Many people don’t realize that plants can survive in a sealed container or bag, and this is a plus for those going on vacation. Sealing indoor plants in clear plastic bags holds in valuable moisture and humidity, and indoor plants thrive in this type of environment.
Simply place your plants, pots and all, into individual clear plastic bags. Make sure the bags are large enough so the plastic doesn’t come in contact with the foliage. If necessary, place sticks in the pots to keep the plastic from touching the plants. Water the plants thoroughly, and tie the top of the bag with a twist tie, or simply tie a knot. Humidity will form on the sides of the bags, and your plants will stay moist and healthy while you’re on vacation.
If your plants are very large, wrap only the pots in clear plastic bags, and secure the plastic around the base of the stems with twine. This plant watering method isn’t as effective as the whole bag method, but this will keep your indoor plants from drying out for at least a week.
Plant Wicks
Plant wicks are great devices for watering indoor plants, and plant wicks are relatively inexpensive. Plant wicks for watering indoor plants can be found at most garden centers, and they are a great method for watering indoor plants while on vacation. The larger the container of water used with the wick, the longer the plant will receive the water it needs while you’re on vacation.
To use plant wicks to water your indoor plants while on vacation, simply place the ends of the plant wicks in a container of water, and place the other ends of the plant wicks into the soil of your potted plants. As your indoor plants require water, the water will be absorbed through the wicks and into the soil.
Capillary Mat
A capillary mat is a good investment if you have indoor plants in plastic pots, and you can take a worry-free vacation knowing that your plants will receive the water they need. Capillary mats are made of felt, and they naturally absorb water. Check with your local garden center to find a capillary mat for watering your indoor plants while you’re on vacation. A capillary mat is well worth the money, and your plants will receive the water they need while you’re enjoying your vacation.
To use a capillary mat, simply place the mat in a bathtub or large sink, depending on the number of plants that need watering while you’re on vacation. Make sure the sink or bathtub drain is open, and turn the faucet just enough to create a constant cool drip. Position the capillary mat beneath the drip, remove any saucers from beneath your indoor plants, and place the plants on the capillary mat where they can soak up the water as needed while you’re away on vacation.
Watering With Bricks
If you don’t mind bricks in your bathtub or utility sink, bricks can water indoor plants while you’re on vacation. Simply fold a bath towel in half lengthwise, and place enough bricks on the towel to support your indoor plants. Add lukewarm water to the bathtub until it barely covers the bricks. Remove any saucers from beneath your indoor plants, and set your indoor plants on the bricks. Your indoor plants will absorb the water they need while you’re on vacation.