How To Keep Your Plants Hydrated While You’re Away

Feather Charm
4 days ago
4 min read

Hello Everyone!

I’m back with another Plant Something New post, and this time, we’re talking about keeping your plants hydrated, especially in the summer. As you all know, I recently went on vacation, and because I have some plants that require a bit more attention than my succulents, I needed a way to keep them hydrated. Of course, there are plenty of ways to do that, and while I didn’t implement all of them, when I went away, I do know of some methods that help. So, let’s get into it. No more stalling. Here are 4 ways you can keep your plants hydrated while you’re away, this summer.

1. Water Bath

This method will last a while and will probably be a good way to start learning how to keep your plants hydrated, while you're away. Give them a water bath. I don’t mean dunk them in water and completely soak them, although that is an option you can use, I've seen plenty of gardeners doing just that. Instead, what I mean is fill a small basin with water, a flat bottom one, so your plants aren’t tilted or won't fall over, while you're away. Fill that with about 2 inches (maybe even 3) of water, and place the plant pot in the basin. That’s it. It'll soak up the water while you're away, and don't worry, it won't rot the roots, because the water isn't going to be standing in the soil. Trust me.

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This is the perfect method to let your plants keep hydrated, especially if you're going to be gone for about a week or so. That way, when you come back from your vacation, your plants won't be dead, and all you need to do is put them back on your windowsills to soak up the sun. Not only that, but if you have multiple plants that will need the help, you can keep them all in one basin, as long as it's big enough. Of course, this isn't going to be a foolproof method, if you're going away for longer. In fact, if you do leave your plants in water for a month or so, it might actually be more detrimental to them.

2. The Bottle Method

Similar to the water bath method, the bottle method is another way to keep your plants hydrated. Basically, you'll need to fill a water bottle with water, poke some holes in the lid, and place it upside down, in the plant pot. This will allow the water to slowly drain into the soil, and directly to the roots. So, you’re not using up a full basin of water. Not only that, but you’re also be recycling those pesky single-use plastic bottles, saving the environment!

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Now, this method works, if you have big enough pots to place a full water bottle in there. For smaller plants, you may still want to use the water bath, because you can fit many in one, but the concept is still the same. It will release the water slowly, and ensure your plants stay hydrated, while you’re away, but like the water bath, this can only last for so long. After all, someone will need to refill the bottle, eventually.

3. Olla Irrigation System

I recently discovered what an olla is, and it does a similar thing as the water bottle method. Essentially, you bury an unglazed garden pot, seal the draining hole (you can cork it), fill it with water, and either seal it with another draining garden pot (so you can pour water into it, or place a lid on top (like a pot plate), so that the water doesn’t evaporate. This works the same way as a water bottle, because the water drains into the soil through osmosis (it passes through the porous clay, and into the soil slowly). So, it's a slow method, but again, like the water bottle someone will eventually need to refill it, so it's not ideal for extended periods away.

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I will say, though, this method is a lot friendlier to your plants, since you’re not in danger of sending microplastics into the soil. It is also more appropriate for garden plants, not indoor potted ones, because it’s meant to go into a flower bed (after all, plant pots can be rather large). So, if you’ve already moved on to maintaining actual gardens, try this one.

4. Have Someone Else Take Care Of Your Plants

This one’s a surefire way to ensure your plants are well cared for, while you’re away. Of course, it depends on who you ask. If they’re reliable, you’ll be sure to return home, whenever you want, to healthy, maintained plants that will welcome you home. I don’t mean ask a gardener, or a professional (although, that would be highly recommended), I mean, if you have a family member, or a friend, who also loves gardening, then ask them, if they’re not too busy, or too far away.

Having someone else who can help you take care of your plants is a no brainer, especially if you’re going to be away for some time (I don’t just mean weeks, I mean months at a time). Just be sure that the person you’re relying on is reliable. You don’t want to come back to dead stalks, because they forgot to come over and water your babies.

Now You Know 4 Ways To Keep Your Plants Hydrated While You’re Away!

Of course, there are many other ways to keep your plants hydrated, these are just 4 of the most popular and affordable methods, plus this is a beginner’s guide, for beginners, by a beginner. If you’re a professional gardener, what method of watering do you use that’s affordable and can last a while? Do you have an irrigation system? Let us know in the comments below!

Well, that’s it from me today, I’m off to tend to my babies, and maybe harvest a mint leaf or two, but while I do that, please don’t forget to like, subscribe, comment, share and follow me, here on Feather’s Charm, on my YouTube channel, on my other social media channels (Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok), and on Patreon. Your support really helps me make more content like this, for you guys.