The sweet smell of sunscreen and salty air calls your name. Your bags are packed, and the “out of office” sign is up. You’re prepared to abandon your daily routine in favour of some well-earned beach time. As you prepare to lock up and leave, a question keeps coming to mind: what will happen to your green roommates? Don’t let your plant babies cause you trouble over the holidays. You can ensure your plants are happy and healthy when you return by preparing ahead of time.
If you’re going to be enjoying the Australian sun, these five tips will help your houseplants stay alive and grow.
1. One Big Gulp Before You Leave
Last but not least, water your plants right before you leave. It’s not your usual sprinkle every week; this is a deep, soul-quenching downpour.
- Water the plant until the soil can drain out of the bottom of the pot easily. This procedure makes sure that the root ball is saturated all the way around.
- Putting your pots in a bathroom or sink with a few centimetres of water for about an hour before you leave will help them hold on to even more water. In this way, the ground can take in all the water it needs.
- But to avoid the awful root rot, make sure they drain all the way later. Think of it as a welcome drink that will make them happy for a week or two.
2. Location, Location, Location: A Cool Place to Relax
Even though you want to be in the sun, your plants will appreciate some shade. The strong Australian sun coming in through a window can quickly turn your living room into a greenhouse and make your plants lose water very swiftly.
- Before you leave, move the plants that like sun out of the full sunlight. The best place is in the middle of the room or in one that faces south and gets less direct sunlight.
- Putting your plants together also helps a lot. The little damp area that plants make when they lose water through their leaves is beneficial for all of the leafy tribe.
Moving can make a big difference in their health and happiness.
3. Do-It-Yourself Spa Day: The Magic of a Greenhouse Made of Nothing
Your fragile or water-loving plants will be safe in a greenhouse you make yourself. It’s smoother than it sounds!
- After giving your plant water, find a clear plastic bag that is big enough to cover the whole thing without touching the leaves. You can use chopsticks or small tools to lift the bag if you need to.
- Put the plant inside the bag and close it up only a little at the bottom. This will catch the water that is draining to make a humid environment like a terrarium.
This is a great way to keep your friends, like ferns, calatheas, and other plants that like wetness, happy while you’re away. This method exemplifies eco-friendly gardening and is environmentally friendly because it allows you to reuse the same bag for future visits.
4. The Buddy System: Call a Neighbour or Friend
If you are on a long vacation, the safest thing to do is ask a friend or neighbour you can trust. A short stop once a week to check on your plants and give them more water can make the difference between a lush indoor jungle and a botanical graveyard.
- Put your plants in groups and give each one clear, simple instructions to help you get your work done as quickly as possible.
- A very helpful note that lists each plant’s name and the amount of water it needs can be beneficial. Of course, a trip souvenir is also a wonderful way to say thank you!
- This step is especially important for people who live on the beachfront apartments and have homes that get a lot of sun and breeze. The air along the coast can be shockingly dry for indoor plants.
5. Store the Fertiliser: A Pre-Holiday Diet
It might seem counterintuitive, but you should wait a few weeks before going on vacation to fertilise your houseplants. Fertiliser encourages new growth. New growth needs more energy and water, of course.
- By feeding your plants differently for a short time, you are helping them slow down their growth and save their resources.
- This process will let them decide how much water they drink while you’re not there.
- After you get back home and settle down, you can go back to your normal feeding routine.
Hey, Welcome Home!
Going to the beach and coming home to a house full of bright, healthy flowers is the perfect way to end a trip. With a little work, you can keep your home garden satisfied. Don’t worry about taking a break; your green friends are safe.
We’d love to hear your tips on how to keep your houseplants healthy while you’re away. In the comments section below, you can share what you know about plants.
