How can I automatically water my plants while on vacation?
You can take a plastic water or soda bottle, poke a small hole in the cap, fill it with water and then set it cap side down in the dirt. It will slowly drip water for days (make sure the hole is small). I kept some hanging baskets of flowers that needed to be watered daily alive for a week like this. Drip System To use a plastic water bottle, simply make a few holes in the cap using a drill or a hammer and nail. Fill the bottle with the amount of water your plant needs (based on your assessment) and then turn the bottle upside down, burying the cap in the potting soil, taking care not to damage the roots.Solution #1: Drip Water Irrigation System This cheap solution only requires one plastic bottle for each houseplant. For potted trees, you may want to double-bottle to make sure water is dispensed evenly. Tips: Make sure each planter is saturated with water before inserting the plastic bottle.Fill recycled plastic bottles with water and pierce a small hole in the lids. Turn the bottle upside-down and bury it neck-deep in the soil next to your plant. The water will slowly trickle out over a period of time and will help ‘water’ your plant while you are away.One to two weeks away For plants not in a self-watering container, adding a saucer beneath them is another option. Fill a deep saucer or a shallow bowl with pebbles and then with water. Set the plant you’d like to keep moist on top and water thoroughly before you leave.
Can plants go 3 weeks without water?
Most plants will typically be fine if you’re gone a week, but some may start to suffer if they go without water for two weeks,” says Justin Hancock, Costa Farms horticulturist. For example, succulent plants, such as cacti and some species of Aloe, can store water in their leaves and stems, allowing them to survive for weeks or even months without watering. In contrast, ferns and tropical plants are more sensitive to drought and may begin to wilt within a few days without water.Avoid using drought-tolerant plants like succulents, cacti, snake plants, and ZZ plants in self-watering pots. These plants prefer dry soil and are prone to root rot if the soil stays too moist.Houseplants: Popular houseplants like peace lilies, African violets, ferns, snake plants, and pothos are well-suited to these planters. They benefit from a stable amount of water. First, it reduces the risk of issues like leaf drop or wilting from irregular watering. Second, it prevents root rot with excess water.
What can I use to water my plants while on vacation?
For a small to medium container, a water bottle will work just fine. Drill several drainage holes into the bottle close to the top. Before you head out on vacation, water your plant as normal. Fill the plastic bottle with water, and then quickly turn it over and plunge it into the first few inches of soil in the pot. Turns out, an empty wine bottle can be made into the perfect slow-drip irrigation system to water your houseplants and container gardens. It’s easy and it’ll help to keep your plants hydrated and happy while you’re gone. Psst: If you travel often, these nearly invincible houseplants may be what you need.