GardenLine | House Plants | Plants Can Survive Your Holiday

The writer is a staff member with the Department of Horticulture Science. This column is offered as an extension service by the Division of Extension and Community Relations and the Department of Horticulture Science, University of Saskatchewan.

Summer is holiday time and with summer comes the yearly problem of house plant care. How can you care for those plants when you're away for three weeks or a month? There's no sense worrying about things back home while you're on vacation, so consider one of these suggestions.

The Human Touch

Ask a friend or neighbour to care for your plants while you are away. If you ask someone to come into your house during your absence, he or she may tend to overwater the plants. This probably happens because the care-giver worries that the plants may dry out before the next visit. It may therefore be preferable to take your house plants over to a friend's or neighbour's house and leave them there while you are away.

Self-Watering

Another approach to in absentia plant care is the use of a self-watering wick. Wicks for this purpose are available through most plant stores. Once your have established your plants using a self-watering wick, you can go on vacation, leaving a supply of water to last for several weeks. It is wise to experiment to get just the right soil mixture to fit the wick that you are using. Generally the farther, or higher, your plant is from the water source, the finer your soil mixture should be. The finer the soil, the greater the pull on the water. However, if your plant is just above the water, a medium-textured soil will be adequate. Again, make sure your plants are well established with this system before leaving on a holiday.

Plants in the Tub

Many people place their plants in the bath tub before leaving for vacation. This is an effective approach. Water the plants well and cover them with a sheet of plastic. They will survive on their own in the tub for 2 weeks or longer.

If your plants require high moisture, place about 2.5 cm of water in the stoppered tub; the plants can sit above the water on boards or containers. Water the plants well and cover them with plastic.

In the Bag

A plant can survive for some time without watering if it is placed in a clear plastic bag. Cut a few slits or holes in the bag, then seal it with a twist-tie. Be sure not to leave your bagged plants exposed to direct sunlight.

Cooling Down

It is very important to reduce the temperature of the house when you are leaving your plants. A plant at 16C will require much less water than one at 27C. The basement may be the coolest place for them.

As well as reduced temperature, basements generally have reduced light. Plants in dull light require much less water than those in bright sunlight. Therefore, reduce the light and your plants can do without watering for a longer time.

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Sustainable horticultural information, offered free of charge to the public with the support of the University of Saskatchewan Extension Division, the Department of Plant Sciences and the Provincial Government.