Tips to Keep Your Plants Alive and Healthy While You’re on Vacation
Products that will "take care" of your houseplants while you are away!
As summer approaches and the weather improves, there are more and more opportunities for getaways to nearby (or not so nearby) destinations. Whether you choose to spend a weekend at a close destination or be away for several days, below we provide some tips and products that will keep your plants fresh and healthy, just as you left them!
Self-watering pots
If you do not have many plants, then the ideal solution is self-watering pots. As their name suggests, these pots feature an automatic watering system, providing a constant level of moisture directly to the roots of the plants. In this category, you will find not only pots but also self-watering planters.
Water Storage Gel
Another alternative is water storage gel. Essentially, these are crystals that turn into "gel" with moisture. The gel retains water in the soil, allowing you to water your plants less frequently.
Water Storage Gel Highlighted Based on User Reviews
- Absorption up to 400 times their weight in water
- Water retention duration 3-4 weeks
- Material lifespan 3-7 years, depending on the quality of the irrigation water
With the water storage gel, your plants can remain unwatered for up to 10 days (depending on water needs, e.g., heat). After 10 days, the gel will have turned back into powder and you will need to remove it.
Instructions for use:
- Dilute the crystals with water to turn them into gel.
- Place 2-3 tablespoons in a large bucket of water. After a while, the water will take on a gel form.
- Water the plants well twice within two hours.
- Scatter the swollen crystals over the surface of the soil.
- Cover the surface of the soil with the gel with a bag if possible.
Find here all the water storage gels.
Automatic watering set
If, on the other hand, you have a small garden at home, then an automatic watering set will make your life much easier. Don’t worry, it’s nothing complicated or expensive. In this category, you’ll find everything from simple systems with a water tank, to complete sets with a programmer or even without one. Depending on how familiar you are with gardening, you’ll find something that is easy and practical for you.
Automatic irrigation system with programmer highlighted based on user reviews
Includes:
- 10 adjustable drippers
- 10 splitters
- 1 pressure regulator
- 1 filter
- 1 pump
- 1 watering timer
- 10 supports
- 1 hose 10 m x 1/4''
Watering timer powered by a water container, operating with 3 AA batteries (not included). Suitable for cases where you have a few small plants (up to 10).
See here all the automatic watering sets.
Last...but not least, Grow Lights
When you are away from home for several days, it is natural for your shutters and curtains to remain closed. In case you cannot ensure at least one window with light, an ideal solution for indoor plants is grow lights.
Grow lights essentially provide an imitation of sunlight, through specific light spectra that affect plant growth (mainly red and blue). They are mostly LED, which means they do not consume much electricity, emit less heat, and adapt to the needs of your plants. Of course, there are also other types of lamps, such as fluorescent ones, etc.
See here all the grow lights.
Tips for Even More Vibrant Plants!
- Ensure your plants are healthy before you leave, for example by adding a bit of extra soil and naturally placing them near light, according to their needs.
- Do not apply fertilizer to indoor plants a few days before your departure. You want your plants to grow as slowly as possible while you're away, to conserve energy and water.
- You will definitely need to water your plants before you leave. However, keep in mind that some do not need frequent watering, nor a lot of water, as this can have the opposite effect. Consult a specialist to know the best care for the plants you have chosen for your garden or home.
- To prevent your plants from wilting, place them side by side while you are away.
- Last but equally important is cleaning the leaves of the plants (mainly indoor plants, as for outdoor plants, this "role" is taken over by the rain), as this helps them breathe better. The dust that accumulates on them can significantly reduce photosynthesis and chlorophyll production, resulting in yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Additionally, by cleaning them, you are very likely to spot early signs of disease or pests.


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