Going on vacation somewhere abroad or at least out of town is an excellent way to relieve everyday stress and enjoy new pastime activities. Your houseplants, however, might not enjoy the time of your absence as much. This article offers a backup care plan to ensure that your green pets stay alive and thrive even if you are miles away.
Keeping Plants Well Watered
The first and most important thing to pay attention to is watering. Providing plants with a source of moisture will protect you from anxious thoughts about the condition of your green pets. The surest way is to ask someone you trust to come to your place and water your plants on schedule. If this isn’t an option, there are multiple other approaches:
- Slow-release devices. Such accessories usually come as a water cone or globe. Fill it with water, insert it into the soil, and it’ll gradually release the liquid and keep the plants moist.
- Hydrogel. It’s a material that absorbs water in large quantities and then slowly releases it. It’s sold as pellets or balls, which you need to put in water in advance and then place on the soil surface or in a tray.
- Self-watering planters and wick watering. While the former method is arguably the best option, the latter requires no special tools. Just take a wick, put one of its ends into a water-filled container, and stick the other one into the soil—the capillary action will do the rest.
Maintaining Growing Conditions
Regardless of which watering method you choose, it’s important to provide your plants with comfortable growing conditions. There are several important factors to consider:
- Avoid leaving windows open or air conditioning systems running during your absence to prevent the root systems of your plants from overcooling.
- Move your plants away from heating appliances or turn them off. By avoiding drastic temperature changes, you’ll keep the growing conditions stable.
- Reducing the sunlight exposure will help your plants grow more slowly and consume less water. So, move them slightly away from windows, except during winter.
- Mulching the topsoil with a layer of tree bark or simply placing a slightly damp cloth over it will help retain moisture.
- Grouping your plants in one location will help maintain humidity.
Post-Vacation Routine
Upon returning home, make sure to inspect your plants for damaged and dry leaves and remove them at once. Additionally, if you see any insects or drastic changes in your plants’ appearance, you’ll need to address these issues immediately. Our app comes in handy in such cases, providing instant identification of problems and detailed recommendations from our botanists.
You should also remove any watering devices to prevent waterlogging and uneven moisture distribution. If you notice that a plant doesn’t look healthy, you should inspect the root system for signs of rot. Take the plant out of its pot, remove the soil from the roots, and carefully examine them. Remove any rotten or damaged ones and then repot the plant using a fresh substrate.
Bringing Overseas Plants Home
While on vacation, you might come across an amazing plant that you would love to bring home as a souvenir. But you must first check if you are entitled to take it out of the country you are in—and also bring it into your own country—by studying the relevant legislation. Assuming you comply with the laws and may take a plant home, prioritize its safe transportation.
To ensure the plant’s survival during the journey, wrap the roots in a damp cloth and protect the leaves and stems with sturdy materials such as cardboard or thick paper. You can also use bubble wrap for additional protection. If the plant is potted, securely place it inside a box to prevent the container from breaking or cracking.
Once you arrive home, allow the plant to acclimate to its new environment. It’s important to get the temperature, watering frequency, and lighting conditions right, especially if your new green pet is used to a different climate. Also, keep the newcomer separate from other indoor plants to prevent the potential spread of pathogens or insects.
Efficiently caring for plants during your absence ensures their healthy appearance and vibrant colors upon your return. Following the suggested tips, you can care for your plants while enjoying a worry-free vacation.