Vacation Plans? How to Prep Your Plant
By Maddy Hogan
Summer is nearly here and we are all excited to be out in the sunshine, reconnecting with friends and family, and taking a hard-earned vacation. While taking a vacation is an exciting prospect, it can leave you wondering about the well-being of your beloved indoor houseplants. Sound familiar? Don’t fret, the Riza team is here to assist with some guidance on how to prep your plant friends while you jet-set to a new and exciting destination!
Assess Your Plants' Needs
Before embarking on your vacation preparations, it's crucial to understand the specific needs of your indoor plants. Consider factors such as light requirements, watering schedules, and humidity preferences for each plant. This will help you tailor your preparation methods accordingly.
Adjust Watering Schedule
Proper watering is vital for the health of your plants, and this becomes even more critical when you're away. Adjust your watering schedule to ensure your plants are neither overwatered nor dehydrated. Water your plants a day or two before leaving to give them a good soak, but avoid waterlogging. If possible, place plants with similar water requirements together, making it easier to water them collectively or use self-watering devices to maintain moisture levels. Checking the moisture level of the soil with a moisture meter prior to watering and preparing your plants for vacation is super helpful to reduce overwatering.
Create a Self-Watering System
For extended vacations, setting up a water watcher system is an excellent solution. Ensure the water supply is adequate and that the setup is securely in place. Test the system before you leave to address any potential issues.
Adjust Light Exposure
Just like water, light plays a crucial role in plant health. Before leaving, consider the light requirements of your plants. Move light-loving plants closer to windows or under artificial lights. For shade-loving plants, place them in a spot with indirect light. Be cautious of intense sunlight that could scorch delicate leaves while you are away. It is also helpful to check the local weather prior to departure so you can take into account any extended periods of overcast or cool weather, as well as extended heat waves.
Humidity Control
Maintaining optimal humidity levels is essential, especially if you live in a dry climate. Grouping plants together can create a microclimate that retains moisture. Alternatively, you can use a tray filled with water and pebbles or invest in a room humidifier to provide consistent humidity levels.
Prune and Clean
Before leaving, give your plants a little TLC. Prune away any dead or dying leaves to encourage healthy growth. Cleaning the leaves with a damp cloth or gentle spray will remove dust and allow them to photosynthesize more efficiently in your absence.
Pest Prevention
Pests can quickly wreak havoc on your plants while you're away. Inspect your plants for signs of pests and take appropriate action, such as using insecticidal soap or neem oil, before leaving. Quarantine infested plants to prevent the spread of pests to other healthy plants. If you have any questions or concerns regarding products to use or how to prep your plants to fight off pests in your absence visit us in-store in our Downtown Napa location, we are always happy to help!
Secure Plant Placement
Consider the location of your plants and ensure they are secure to avoid accidental falls or damage. Move fragile or tall plants away from high-traffic areas, and consider using plant stakes or ties to provide extra support.
Seek Plant-Sitting or Professional Help
If you're going away for an extended period or have a collection of high-maintenance plants, it might be wise to enlist the help of a plant-sitter or a professional plant care service, we offer this at Riza (check it out here)! We can provide regular watering, light adjustments, and monitor the overall health of your plants in your absence.
Vacations are a much needed part of life, especially after the wet and rainy season we had this winter. The team at Riza is here to help with the products, tools, and education so that you definitely do not have to worry about your indoor houseplant friends while you are away!
