Мaintaining Plant Survival During Absence: A Guide
Hey there, plant parent! You know what's up – making sure your green friends are happy and healthy. But what about when you're away on vacay? Fret not, we've got some expert advice to keep your plants thriving while you drink mai-tai's on the beach.
Let's hear from Andrew Porwol, a badass garden and landscaping expert who founded Garden Centre Shopping. According to him, if you're shopping for new plants, focus on those that are naturally drought-tolerant, like snake plants and ZZ plants. For outdoor plants, try choosing lavender, rosemary, or ornamental grasses that can handle the dry, humid heat.
Now, for those container plants, consider investing in self-watering planters. They'll keep your plants nice and hydrated for up to two weeks – perfect for jet-setting gardeners! If you're extra worried about your plants getting thirsty, pour some hydrogel crystals into the soil. These bad boys slowly release water as they absorb it, giving your plants a consistent hydration even when you're gone.
DIY drip systems are another cheap and easy option for plant maintenance if you have to take off at the last minute. Fill a wine bottle with water, invert it, and stick it into the soil. The water will seep out as the soil dries, creating a mini-watering system that'll keep your plants hydrated while you're having a blast on the beach.
If you're going away for an extended period and don't want to come back to a house of wilted plants, consider hiring a neighbor's kid to water them or, if you're feeling fancy, a professional plant sitter.
Now, let's hear from Mark Thompson, a garden expert and co-owner of Shoppe. If you have plants that are constantly in direct sunlight, move them to a shadier spot before you go on your trip. This simple adjustment can help prevent them from wilting while they're left without water.
Lastly, if you're going away for a long time, consider grouping your plants together in a bathtub lined with a towel and a shallow layer of water. This will create more humidity, keeping your plants happy and healthy until you return. Sure, it might seem a little unconventional, but trust us – it's worth it!
So there you have it – some practical tips to ensure your plants are well taken care of while you're off chasing adventure. Happy vacationing, plant parents!
- Andrew Porwol, a garden and landscaping expert who founded Garden Centre Shopping, advises focusing on drought-tolerant plants like snake plants and ZZ plants when shopping for new house plants.
- For outdoor plants, try choosing lavender, rosemary, or ornamental grasses that can handle dry, humid heat.
- To keep container plants hydrated while away, consider investing in self-watering planters or pouring hydrogel crystals into the soil.
- DIY drip systems, such as inverted wine bottles in the soil, are another cheap and easy option for watering plants while away.
- If going away for an extended period, consider hiring a neighbor's child to water plants or a professional plant sitter.
- Mark Thompson, a garden expert and co-owner of Shoppe, suggests moving plants that receive constant direct sunlight to a shadier spot before leaving on a trip.
- For a long vacation, group plants together in a bathtub lined with a towel and a shallow layer of water to increase humidity and keep them healthy. It might seem unconventional, but it's worth it for maintaining healthy plants.
