Spring Break is coming up and I will have to leave my plants on their own for a week.π±π¨π
Here are some of my tips and tricks to help ensure my plants survival.
1) Self watering: using a disposable water bottle
Yes, there are self-watering containers that you can purchase in stores or online. I am not going to use that because being a college student on a budget I would like to save every cent. I came up with a technique to use disposable water bottles for a self-watering system for my plants.
- First take the empty bottle with the lid on it and pierce a slit into the cap. This will ensure that it have a controlled water release rate.
- Fill the bottle with water.
- Create a hole in the soil to fit the water bottle in.
- Place the water bottle inversely into the soil
- Add several water bottles depending on the size of the planter.
2) Move all your plant close together.
Gather all of your plants and place them close together. This will sustain an environment with higher humidity and help the plants better their chance for survival.
3) Give plants a good soaking before you leave.
For the plants that like to be watered more frequently, I give them a good soak in a bath or a sink the day before I leave. Yes, I mean let them SOAK in the bath. Depending on the amount of plants you need to give a "bath", you can use your sink or bathtub. You should fill the sink/bathtub about a quarter the way full and place the plants into room-temperature water for 10-15 minutes to let the soil really absorb water thoroughly. You may also adjust the time depending on how well the the soil is absorbing the water.
Another method is to place the plants in the sink/bathtub and spray them with water for a good 5 minutes to really allow the soil to get a proper soaking.
After either method you should allow the plants to sit for about an hour in an empty sink/bathtub to allow the excess water drain away.
*Note that this only will work if you use pots with drainage holes, to allow the the water be absorbed an appropriate amount.
4) Don't worry about your plants too much while you are away.
Most plants can survive a small drought from you not being able to tend to them. Take this time away from them for a chance to get excited to see new changes and growths in the plants when you get home. Time away from them will allow you to notice more changes with the plants when you get back. There is nothing more exciting than seeing new growths on your plants!! π