6 Ways to Make Sure House Plants Survive Your Vacation

Anyone who has plants knows that taking care of them is not an easy task at all. Flowers require a certain amount of water and light, they are sensitive to temperature changes. Everything becomes even more complicated when you are going on a long-awaited vacation: for your departure, they do need to be prepared in advance.

According to horticultural expert Lindsey Pangborn, the key to keeping your plants doing great while you're away is to maintain the conditions your pets are accustomed to. This can be done in the following ways.

1. Leave the curtains open

This will allow the plants to get the perfect amount of natural sunlight while you are away. When doing this, you should be careful and leave the flowers in a place where they will not absorb too much light. “Plants that need it as much as possible should be placed 30-90 cm from the window. So they will receive the necessary amount of sun and keep water supplies longer, ”explains Lindsey Pangborn.

If you are unable to leave the curtains open, the expert recommends buying a special fitolamp with a timer that will adjust the light automatically.

2. Water well before leaving.

“Water the plant thoroughly so that the moisture penetrates the soil properly. Don't stop until water starts to flow out of the drain hole at the bottom of the pot. Then leave the flower for 20 minutes to allow excess water to flow out, and only then return it to the stand, ”advises Lindsey Pangborn.

It is best to carry out such a procedure in the bath or shower. This will avoid confusion. And do not forget to drain the remaining water from the pan at the end. This will prevent the roots from rotting.

3. Create a humid environment

If you have plants in your collection that are especially fond of moisture, and you usually use a humidifier, use simple tricks to replace it when you are away.

For example, gather all the flowers together in a small space that receives natural daylight. This will create the desired microclimate. Or use pebbles as Lindsey Pangborn suggested: “Place a layer of pebbles on a high-sided tray, fill with water, and place the plants on the rocks. As the water evaporates, the air humidity will increase and the pebbles will protect the pots from direct contact with the water.”

4. Move outdoor plants to shade

As with indoor plants, the expert recommends keeping the potting soil well moistened outside and moving them to a sheltered spot out of direct sunlight. “Excessive exposure to the sun and wind can cause the ground to dry out quickly, and a week or two in the shade will definitely not worsen the condition of the plants,” explains Lindsey Pangborn.

5. cut flowers

This is especially important for flowering varieties that grow outdoors. “Plants with clipped buds will absorb water more slowly. Pruning will also reduce the chance of fungus spreading and allow new flowers to set up while you rest.

6. Use special tools

For small houseplants that require frequent watering, Lindsey Pangborn recommends buying capillary mat. It is made from a soft material that perfectly retains water. You just need to put the pot on the mat - and the water will flow directly into the soil.

Another useful device ball for automatic irrigation. Usually it is a spherical glass vessel on a long thin leg. “As the earth dries out, water from the ball enters it, maintaining a constant moisture,” the expert explains. The larger the plant in the pot, the larger the ball should be.

Whatever fixture you decide to use, Lindsey Pangborn recommends testing it out a few weeks before leaving to make sure it works for your plant.

These methods will help the flowers last for two weeks. If you are away for a longer period, ask friends or family members to look after the plants.