As the warm spring and summer season approaches, you’ll want to take a vacation. In doing so, many plants will be left on their own. Houseplant parents will find themselves faced with the dilemma of how to keep their houseplants healthy and happy while they’re away.
Whether you’re planning a week-long getaway or a month-long adventure, leaving your plants unattended can be a source of stress and concern. However, with a few simple strategies, you can ensure your plants remain vibrant and flourishing even in your absence.
Tip no.1: Water them before you leave
Keeping your plants well-watered while on vacation is the biggest concern that keeps coming up. As a gardener, you have to ensure that you water your indoor and outdoor plants very deeply right before leaving. Several innovative watering solutions can help keep your plants hydrated while you’re away. Self-watering planters are a great option. They are specialised containers with built-in reservoirs that slowly release water to the plant’s roots, ensuring a consistent supply of moisture.
Tip no.2: Keep the plants in partial shade
Although some plants love the sun, overexposure can become a problem. While your potted plants or your hanging baskets may love to soak up the sun, they will appreciate a bit of shade when you aren’t there for a few days. Partial shady conditions will help the soil stay moist longer, which is helpful.
Tip no.3: Use pebble trays
Using pebble trays for your houseplants is such a simple yet effective tip for keeping your plant babies thriving. Just set pots on trays filled with pebbles and water. This allows an addition of humidity and helps keep the soil from drying out, whilst keeping the leaves thriving too.
Tip no.4: Group plants together
Bunching your plants close together in a shady spot creates a little microclimate. The air stays more humid, so the soil dries out more slowly. Group plants with similar growing conditions just to be on the safer side. So, whether you’re gone for a weekend or two, your houseplants won’t suffer as the little microclimate you’ve created will be beneficial for each plant.
Compiled by Chumasande Matiwane
First published on Garden and Home
Also see: The best plants for your home office
