Leaving home shouldn’t mean bidding farewell to your cherished house plants. We look at effective strategies to nourish and nurture your houseplants during your absence.
From smart watering tactics to crafting self-sustaining environments, discover how to ensure your plants thrive while you’re away.
Table of Contents
5 Ways to keep your houseplants alive when you are not home
1. Install a self-watering system
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Set up a watering schedule before you leave. Water your plants adequately a day or two before your departure. For longer trips, consider investing in self-watering devices or DIY alternatives.
These devices can slowly release water to the plants, ensuring they receive the necessary moisture. Another option is to install a drip irrigation kit, which is easy to assemble and customise to your specific plant.
Our recommendation: Drip Irrigation Garden Watering Kit by TrustBasket
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2. Group your plants
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Place your plants together in a well-lit area before leaving. Grouping plants can create a mini-ecosystem with increased humidity, which helps reduce moisture loss.
This can also make it easier to manage watering the plants and caring for them.
3. Mulching and water retention
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Apply a layer of mulch or moisture-retaining materials, like sphagnum moss or coconut coir on the soil surface. Mulch helps retain the moisture and prevent rapid evaporation, shielding against dry conditions.
4. Limit sun exposure
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If your plants are in direct sunlight, consider moving them to a spot with indirect light. Too much sun exposure can lead to rapid water loss through transpiration. This adjustment can help reduce the plants’ water needs while you’re away.
5. DIY greenhouse effect
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Create a simple greenhouse effect by covering your plants with clear plastic bags or plastic wrap. This traps moisture around the plants and helps maintain humidity.
Be sure to provide some ventilation by poking a few small holes in the plastic to prevent mould growth.
Bonus tip: Ask a friend or neighbour for help
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If possible, ask a trusted friend, neighbour, or family member to check in on your plants. Provide them with clear instructions for watering and caring for each plant. You could even set up a video call to guide them through the process.
Before implementing these tips, consider the specific needs of each plant species you have, as some might have unique requirements. Also, it’s a good idea to test any new methods before leaving for an extended period to ensure they work effectively for your plants.
Social and lead images credits: Viacom18 Motion Pictures, Phantom Films
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