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Posted 1M ago by @GemHautree

How to keep plants watered when away on vacation?

Hello.. any suggestions on how to keep plants alive and healthy when we're away for about 10 days? We do not have relatives or neighbours to help. Thanks in advance!
What type of plants do you have? Most of mine would be fine for 10 days, although I'd need to turn off my grow lights and move any plants getting direct sun in windows further back. I'd recommend watering them right before you leave. Bottom watering is another option, since it takes longer for the roots to draw up water.
I have a couple of Alocasia, Peace Lily, Birkin and Monstera.
What's bottom watering?
@GemHautree take each plant and put it in a bowl of water, let it soak up and boom
@GemHautree bottom watering is where you fill the saucer with water for the soil and roots to draw up, versus pouring water over the soil from above. It's a slower absorption process, so instead of the roots getting drenched all at once they have to work for it a bit more. Based on the plants you listed, I honestly think they'll be fine for 10 days. Even if you come back to find your peace lily a bit wilted, it will quickly perk back up once watered. Your birkin and monstera should be fine, they like to dry out a lot between waterings. It's always better to underwater than overwater anyway. All of this is of course dependent on several factors, such as how much light they get, what type of soil and pot they're in, temp and humidity level in your space, and so forth.