Watering Your Plants While You Are Away from Home

If you travel, you can't take your precious plants with you. Take these precautions before you leave to ensure that you have healthy plants when you return.

If you are going to be gone for a short time, simply move your houseplants away from direct sun. This will slow growth and reduce moisture loss. Just make sure you water thoroughly before you leave!

Try specifically designed devices that are made for watering while you are away. Devices such as water-wicking cones, reservoirs, drippers and capillary matting.

Turning the air conditioning off is usually fine. Just don't expect your plants to tolerate dramatic changes in temperature. If possible, move houseplants to a spot that has relatively constant temperature.

Many houseplants will thrive in a temporary greenhouse - especially low-light, tropical foliage plants.

How to Make Your Own Temporary Greenhouse:

1. Start by lining the tub with a large plastic sheet.
2. Place several layers of newspapers on top of the plastic, lining the bottom of the tub.
3. Place the plants on the newspapers and turn on the shower long enough to wet the newspaper
4. Pull the shower curtain and use another plastic sheet to create a tent, which will help retain moisture.
5. Leave the light on in the bathroom.

Some plants can spend all or part of the summer outdoors. Although many plants will be fine in a sunny place, most are better off in a shady nook where they are protected from both sun and wind. Clustering pots together increases humidity and helps reduce moisture loss. Sinking the pot into the soil helps conserve moisture as well.

If you will be gone for more than 2 weeks, you should hire someone who will come and check on your plants every few days.

A Greenhouse is every orchid lover's best friend! We offer all types from pop-ups to patio, to large size. Available online withshipping discounts from Gardener's Supply (see above)