How to Keep Houseplants Watered While on Vacation

Vacations are meant to be carefree periods when you get away from the stress and responsibility of everyday life, but some things simply cannot be left until your return. Making arrangements for pet care, lawn services and mail pickup are part of the regular routine. If you have houseplants, arranging for their care is just as important. Fortunately, plants can survive for a week or more if you take the proper precautions before you embark on vacation.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bags Dowel/pencil Needle/straight pin

Instructions

1. Submerge plants in tepid water for 20 minutes. As water saturates the soil, air bubbles will rise to the surface. Keep them submerged until all bubbles cease. This assures that the soil is wet and no pockets of air or dry soil remain. Let rest until they stop dripping.

2. Enclose the plant and pot in a clear plastic bag. Inflate the bag so that it encases the plant like a balloon. Leaves should not be touching the sides of the bag. If necessary, insert a dowel or pencil into the soil to hold the plastic away from the plant. Poke holes in the bag with a needle or straight pin to allow air to circulate. Tie securely. This will create a mini-greenhouse. As moisture evaporates, it will gather on the plastic and drip back to the soil when temperatures cool.

3. Place all plants in a central location on a table or counter away from windows where they will be exposed to direct sunlight. A little filtered light is fine, but direct sunlight might overheat the plants when encased in plastic, causing them to lose excessive moisture.

4. Close shades and blinds to keep the house cool. Plants require less water when they are cool. Central air should be set at 75 degrees to prevent overheating. If you plan to be away for more than a week, arrange to have someone check the health of your plants and provide additional water if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Use dry cleaner bags to cover large plants. Use microwave steaming bags on smaller plants. These already have holes and will allow air circulation.

• Do not cover succulents and cacti with plastic. They can survive a week or more without additional water.