Summer is here! The warmth of the sun on your skin and the sound of waves lapping on the white sand makes you want to get away for a couple of weeks, right?
Now imagine coming home with beautiful tanned skin and the smell of the ocean in your air, only to find all your plants are dead and bone dry. You don't have to choose between taking a vacation and sacrificing your favorite plants. Here are some tips and tricks to help your plants thrive while you're on vacation.
Let it rain
If you plan on being away from home for a week or more, be sure to water your plants thoroughly — the best way to do this is to pour water over them in the sink and then leave them to dry.
Take your plant to the sink and water it until water comes out of the drain. Repeat this process until the pot feels much heavier than it was before. This allows the plant's roots to have longer access to the moisture in the soil.
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engineering
Self-watering planters can be lifesavers and are installed to keep your plants hydrated without your help. These pots have a built-in reservoir that holds water, from which the plant's roots can suck it up (a process called capillary action).
This basically means that the soil stays moist by absorbing water as needed through an absorbent material (like cotton rope). This system keeps your plants hydrated for several days, making it ideal for when you're away from home.
Give me a goo
If you grew up in the early '90s, we're about to unlock some of the most defining memories of your childhood. Remember Orbeez gel beads? Yep, we remember them. Those fuzzy water beads were the “it” toy for a while.
It turns out that super-absorbent polymer beads offer more than just sensory play and relaxation. Mixing hydrogel crystals, presumably similar to Orbeez, into soil can help plants retain moisture. These crystals absorb water and release it slowly, keeping the soil moist for longer.
Let's get together
Planting plants together creates a humid space and helps reduce water loss. Planting plants together is also convenient if you hire a plant caretaker. If you plant plants together, make sure the plants are compatible in terms of light and water needs.
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Blocking the Sun
Move your plants away from windows or pull down the curtains. Less light means your plants absorb water more slowly, allowing them to live longer without watering. This means you can trick your plants into thinking it's been cloudy for two weeks so they won't need as much water while you're away.
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Plant Sitters Club
Just like hiring a babysitter, you can hire someone to look after your plants. Find a friendly neighbor you trust and ask them if they can come and check on your plants every few days. You can also keep a list of different types of plants that require different care, but it helps to make the process as easy as possible for the caregiver.
Group plants with similar care needs together and label them based on their needs – this way it's much easier to navigate and gives you peace of mind knowing your plants will be taken care of while you're on the go.
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(Courtesy of Ryan Rose)
Welcome back!
When you return, check on your plants, say hello, and tell them about your vacation – plants are good listeners and they will have missed you. Put your plants back in their original place (if you moved them) and check them for signs of new growth while you were away.
Traveling and maintaining healthy plants are not mutually exclusive. With a little planning and the right strategy, you can enjoy your vacation without worrying that your plants will be sadly left behind when you get home. So, book your trip, soak up the sun, and rest assured that your green friends are well taken care of. You deserve it!
Hilton Carter is a plant and interior stylist, artist, and author from Baltimore.
