Leaving thriving indoor and outdoor plants unattended during travel is a common concern for plant owners. Finding a reliable method to deliver water while you are away requires matching the watering solution to the length of your absence and the specific needs of your plants. This article explores strategies, ranging from simple environmental adjustments to advanced mechanical systems, ensuring your plants remain hydrated whether you are gone for a weekend or an extended period.
Preparing Plants for Absence
Before implementing any watering system, managing the plant’s environment is the foundational step in reducing water loss. Plants continuously release water vapor into the air through transpiration, a process driven by light and heat. Reducing the rate of this water loss directly lowers the plant’s hydration needs while you are away.
One effective technique is to move all potted plants away from direct sunlight and heat sources, such as sunny windows or radiators. Placing plants in a cooler, indirectly lit location decreases the energy available for transpiration, slowing down the rate at which they draw water from the soil. You should also lightly prune any excess or yellowing foliage, as this reduces the total surface area through which water can evaporate.
Grouping plants together creates a localized micro-climate with higher relative humidity. As each plant transpires, it releases moisture that other plants in the cluster can benefit from, reducing the collective water demand. Finally, ensure all pots are clean and the plants are healthy before departure.
Simple DIY Solutions for Short Trips
For absences lasting approximately three to seven days, simple, low-cost, and easily assembled systems can provide sufficient moisture.
Wick System
The wick system utilizes the principle of capillary action, where water moves through a porous material. To set this up, place a reservoir of water higher than the plant pot and bury one end of a cotton rope or nylon cord a few inches into the soil. The other end of the wick must be fully submerged in the water reservoir, allowing the thread to draw water up to the soil as it begins to dry out. This method delivers a consistent, regulated supply of moisture directly to the root zone.
Bathtub or Sink Method
A variation involves the bathtub or sink method, which is ideal for multiple plants that tolerate consistently moist soil. To implement this, place a thick towel or capillary mat in the bottom of a sink or tub, fill it with one or two inches of water, and then place the potted plants on top. The drainage holes of the pots absorb water via capillary action through the soil, effectively bottom-watering the plants for several days.
Mini-Greenhouse Method
For smaller, humidity-loving plants, the plastic bag or mini-greenhouse method is an option. After watering the plant thoroughly, place it inside a clear plastic bag supported by stakes to prevent leaf contact. Seal the bag at the base and place it in indirect light. The enclosure traps evaporated water, causing it to condense and drip back down, creating a self-sustaining cycle of recycled moisture.
Mechanical and Reservoir Systems for Extended Travel
When you plan to be away for ten days or more, investing in commercial or large-scale reservoir solutions provides a more reliable and consistent watering schedule.
Automated Drip Systems
Automated drip irrigation kits employ a small pump connected to a water reservoir. This pump, controlled by a programmable timer, pushes water through narrow tubing to individual drip emitters placed in each pot, allowing for precise control over the volume and frequency of watering.
Self-Watering Pots
Self-watering pots and inserts function by integrating a water reservoir below the soil level, separated by a perforated tray or platform. A wick or a portion of the potting mix draws water upward from the reservoir, supplying moisture to the roots as the soil begins to dry. These systems require refilling the reservoir periodically through a dedicated fill tube, but they can maintain soil moisture for up to two weeks or more, depending on the reservoir size.
Spikes and Globes
Water spikes or globes offer a simpler, low-tech reservoir solution for individual pots. Glass globes, when inserted into the soil, release water slowly as a weak vacuum seal is broken by the drying soil, allowing air bubbles to enter and water to trickle out. Terracotta spikes, which are made of porous clay, rely on soil tension to draw moisture out of the spike and into the surrounding soil. Finally, for very long trips or particularly valuable collections, the human element becomes a practical solution, involving hiring a professional plant sitter or arranging for a trusted neighbor to manually water the plants.