Watering plants while you travel

Grouping plants in the bathroom

Grouping plants together before a trip of five to ten days creates a small microclimate that retains humidity. The collective transpiration of the foliage slows down the drying process. Moving your collection away from hot, drafty windows is a simple first step. For plants in terracotta pots, which lose moisture quickly through their porous walls, you can place them together in a shallow bathtub. Add an inch of water to the tub so the clay can draw moisture up over a week — this acts as a reservoir.

This collective setup works well for most species, but remember to keep the bathroom door open if the room has no windows. Some sturdy low light houseplants can tolerate a week of dim conditions, but others will suffer if left in complete darkness. A friend of mine who travels frequently for work notes that “even a week of darkness can stall active growth,” so a nearby window is essential.

Setting up a capillary wick

For individual plants scattered around a room, a cotton wick system offers a steady supply of moisture. You can use a thick cotton cord or utility twine. Bury one end deep in the soil near the roots, and drop the other end into a large jar of water placed slightly higher than the plant container. The water will slowly travel up the cord to keep the soil damp.

This method is highly customizable. You can adjust the reservoir size based on the length of your trip. If you are away for two weeks, a gallon jug can easily sustain two or three medium plants. While you set this up, ensure your timer is working if you use LED grow lights to keep your plants on their regular schedule.

Simple self-watering reservoirs

Plastic bottles can be converted into slow-release irrigators for larger pots. Clean a small plastic soda bottle, poke two tiny holes in the cap with a needle, and fill it with water. Push the capped end deep into the soil. The water will slowly drip out over several days… it takes a bit of trial and error to get the hole size right, so test it a week before you leave.

Different plants need different moisture levels, of course. While this works well for leafy tropicals that demand constant dampness, avoid using drip systems on delicate specimens where you are hoping to encourage orchid reblooming, as they prefer a distinct dry period between waterings. Adjust your plans to suit each species before you lock the door.