Potted plant care when you’re on holiday

If you are planning on going away on holiday, it’s important to make sure that your plants are taken care of. This means that they will need to be watered regularly or they will dehydrate and perish. Here are some important tips to keep in mind before you make a potted plant care plan.

Check the weather forecast

Your potted plant will need to be watered more during warmer months than during the colder season. This is because water evaporates faster in the summer. Do yourself a favour and take a look at the weather forecast for the period you plan on going away. This will help you determine the best watering plan.

Watering automatically

If you have plants in your garden that need regular watering, you could install automatic sprinklers. This way, you can set them to turn on and turn off at specific times of the day. Of course, if you have a potted plant or two, you might need to move them to a sheltered area that will keep them safe if there is any heavy rain.

Find the right spot

Each potted plant in your home will also need to be placed in just the right spot. You do not want them to receive too much sunlight if this could result in their leaves and flowers burning. It will also ensure that the soil in the planter does not dry out too fast.

Water and mulch

Another way of keeping your potted plant happy while you are away is by adding mulch. This helps slow the rate of absorption which means that, if you are only going away for a few days, your plants should be just fine. Just make sure that you water them before you leave.

Humidity levels

If you have a potted plant that enjoys a humid environment, you can place the pot on a tray with pebbles and water. The water will evaporate slowly and increase the humidity levels immediately around the plant.

Slow watering

If you are going away for an extended period of time, you can use a plastic bottle filled with water. Each potted plant will need its own bottle. You will need to place it upside down and you should make a very small hole in the lid. This will allow water to very slowly drip from the bottle and keep the soil moist.

Ask a friend

Finally, if you have any particularly sensitive plants, you might want to ask a friend or neighbour to stop in and check on them. Just make sure that you leave notes regarding the specific care that each plant needs.

These are a few ideas to help you keep your potted plant or plants happy even if you are not around to tend to them every day. In some cases, mulch and water will suffice but you really do need to consider the amount of time you plan on spending on holiday.