Experts talk lights, humidifiers, watering aids and more to keep your plants thriving while you're away.
can decline quickly under certain circumstances.” Pangborn also said this doesn’t mean you need to write off vacationing forever. It just means it’s important to maintain a controlled environment for your plants for the stretch of time that you’re not there.“One of the easiest things you can do to prep for an extended period away is quite easy: Make sure your plants will experience the same conditions they’re used to when you are home,” she said.
“In winter, houseplants can go into a state of dormancy or semi-dormancy. And since plants only take up water based on the amount of light they receive, you will find yourself watering less often than you did in the summer,” Marion said. Pangborn suggested grouping moisture-loving plants together in a small room, which call allow them to create their own humidity, while also making sure the plants that most enjoy the sun have unobstructed access to natural light.“Plant health issues related to watering can happen quickly, so again, consistency is key,” she added. “Plan out your watering schedule so that you can give your plants a good soak the day before you leave.
Both Pangborn and Marino said that as tricky as plant care can be, especially when leaving your plants unattended, there are also tools and products available that can help maintain a consistent environment and prevent you from burying your favorite fern. Keep reading to find handy watering aids, timed lighting systems and more as well tips on how to use each of them.
HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.According to Marino, adding a thin layer of materials such as lava rocks, wood chips or mulch on top of your plant's soil prior to watering can help keep the soil moist for longer. Lava rocks in particular are highly porous so they can absorb water and slowly release the excess moisture over time.