Watering your plants while you are on holiday

The summer holidays are well under way and that usually means a well-earned break from your daily routine. But what about your plants? How do you keep them healthy and happy while you are off enjoying yourself? In this blog we share plenty of tips and tricks for looking after your plants during the holidays, so you can set off with peace of mind.

Know your plants

Knowing your plants is the key to looking after them properly while you are away. Not every plant has the same thirst or the same preferred spot. One plant will go weeks without a single drop of water, while another needs rather more attention and care. We have lined up the water needs and ideal position of a few popular plants.

Succulents and cacti: these plants are masters at holding on to water and can go weeks without any attention. The warriors of the plant world are used to sitting happily in the sun and lasting a long time without water. You can safely leave them be for a few weeks.
Large green plants: plants such as the Ficus Lyrata, Strelitzia or Monstera need watering regularly. Keep the soil lightly moist and make sure they are in the right spot, certainly when you are heading off. The Ficus and the Strelitzia want direct sunlight, for instance, while the Monstera prefers a partial shade spot. These plants also need slightly higher humidity, which you can give them by misting the leaves with a plant sprayer.
Flowering plants: plants such as the orchid often ask for a little more attention and water. Check how moist the soil is on a regular basis and make sure the plant is in the right spot.

Caring for plants during the holidays

There are several methods you can use when your plants need looking after while you are on holiday. Which one works best for you depends on things like whether there is anyone around who can care for your plants. We are happy to tell you more about how to approach plant care during the holidays.

Ask family or friends for help

One of the easiest ways to get your plants looked after while you are away is to ask family or friends for help. Make sure you leave clear instructions behind that cover at least the three points below.

Watering schedule: write down how often and how much water each plant needs.
Position: say where each plant lives and whether it needs a lot of sunlight.
Important tip: mention any specific needs, such as extra plant food or misting.

Water dripper

This clever watering system makes sure your houseplant always gets the right amount of water. You fill the globe with water and push it into the potting soil at a slight angle, down to the roots. The water dripper then releases water as soon as the plant needs it.

Self-watering plant pots

A practical solution is to use self-watering plant pots. These pots have a reservoir that releases water automatically as the soil dries out. Ideal for plants that need a bit more care. You barely have to think about the plant, and it can certainly look after itself for one holiday.

Make your own DIY self-watering system!

For the handier among us, building a DIY system is a nice, budget-friendly option. A simple water bottle is all you need to make a watering system. Just pierce a few small holes in the cap, push the bottle into the potting soil and the water will slowly drip out.

With the right preparation and a few helpful tools, you can keep your plants healthy and happy even while you are away. Whether you go for a simple water bottle system, a self-watering pot or the help of friends, there is always a solution that fits your situation.

Do you have tips or questions about your own particular plant during the holidays? Feel free to put them to our customer service team!