It's that time of the year again when you're eagerly looking forward to your well-deserved vacation.
However, amidst all the excitement and last-minute preparations, it's important not to forget about your beloved indoor plants. After all, they've been thriving under your care and attention, and you wouldn't want all that hard work to go to waste!
Luckily, with a little extra preparation, you can ensure that your plants stay healthy and happy while you're away. In this blog post, we'll share five key tips to help you keep your plants alive and thriving during your absence.
Tip #1: Separate Your Plants into "Teams"
To simplify watering and care, think of your plants in terms of two teams: those that require more frequent watering and those that need less attention. Group tropical plants together, such as ZZ plants and cacti, which can tolerate being left alone for a few weeks with minimal care. Similarly, gather your leafy plants, like sansevieria, succulents, and dracaena, as they typically require less frequent watering. Needier plants like orchids, bonsai, Boston ferns, and fiddle leaf figs may need a bit more attention, so plan accordingly.
Tip #2: Pamper Your Plants
A few days before you leave, set aside some time for a pamper session for your plants. Remove any dead leaves, as they can drain unnecessary energy from the plant. Check the soil for fallen dead leaves, which can cause rotting and attract insects. For plants such as orchids or bonsai, this is also an ideal time to trim them, if necessary.
Tip #3: Soak Your Plants
Ensuring your plants are adequately hydrated before you leave is crucial. Give them a thorough soaking in a tub or shower, allowing the excess water to drain before placing them back in their saucers. Avoid letting most plants stand in water, as it can lead to root rot. For plants that prefer damp soil, create a makeshift self-watering system by placing a towel in a bathtub or large sink filled with a few centimeters of water. Set your water-loving plants on the damp towel, and they will draw up water as needed while you're away. However, remember to avoid this step for plants that prefer drier soil.
Tip #4: Boost the Humidity
Many houseplants thrive in moist, tropical environments and benefit from increased humidity. Before you leave, group your plants together in a smaller room, a bathroom with a window, or an area that receives moderate sunlight. This creates a microclimate where your plants generate their own humidity. You can also place plants on pebble trays filled with water. Simply choose a large saucer or tray, fill it with pebbles, decorative beads, or river rocks, and add 1-2 inches of water. As the water evaporates, it creates a bubble of humidity around the plants, preventing them from drying out.
Tip #5: Keep the Light Low
Reducing the amount of direct sunlight your plants receive will slow down their photosynthesis process, ultimately decreasing their water requirements. Move your plants away from areas of intense sunlight and direct heat sources, such as heat vents, draughty windows or doors, and sunspots. Maintaining an average temperature for your plants will also contribute to their overall well-being while you're away.
With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy your vacation knowing that your indoor plants are well taken care of. By separating your plants into groups, pampering them before you leave, providing adequate hydration, boosting humidity, and controlling light exposure, you can ensure their health and happiness while you're away.
