Hilton Carter Tip: How to Travel Without Letting Your Plants Die

Summer is here! The feeling of the warm sun on your skin and the sound of the waves on the white sandy beaches…man, it makes you want to get away from it all for about two weeks, doesn't it?

Now imagine coming home to a nice, even tan and smelling like the ocean, only to find all your plants wilted and dry to the bone. I'm here to tell you that you don't have to choose between going on vacation and sacrificing your favorite plants. Here are some tips and tricks to set your plants up for success while you're away.

Make it rain

You should always water your plants thoroughly whenever you plan to be gone for more than a week. The best way to do this is to soak them in the sink and let them drain.

Take your plant to your sink and water until it comes out of the drainage hole. Feel free to repeat the process until the pot is much heavier than before. This allows your plant's roots to have access to soil moisture for an extended period of time.

Engineer

Self–watering planters can save your life and are set up so your plants can stay hydrated without your help. These pots have a built-in reservoir that holds water, which the plant's roots draw from (a process called capillary action).

This essentially means that they absorb water as needed through a water-absorbing material (like cotton rope), keeping the ground constantly moist. This system ensures that your plants stay hydrated for several days, making it ideal when you are away.

Give them a good mood

If you grew up in the early 90s, I'm about to unlock an essential memory from your childhood. Remember those gel beads called Orbeez? Yeah, that's true. These squishy water beads have been the “toy” for a while.

Turns out, these super-absorbent polymer beads offer much more than sensory play and relaxation. Mixing hydrogel crystals — which will likely look a lot like Orbeez — into the soil can help retain water for plants. These crystals absorb water and release it slowly, keeping the soil moist for an extended period of time.

Cuddle us

Grouping plants together can create a space with higher humidity, which helps reduce water loss. Getting everyone together also makes it easier if you decide to hire a plant sitter. If you decide to group your plants together, just make sure they are compatible in terms of light and water needs.

Protect from the sun

Move your plants away from the window or lower the blinds. Less light means slower water consumption, allowing your plant to last longer without a new trim. You can basically trick your plants into thinking it's been a cloudy two weeks so they don't need as much water while you're gone.

Gardeners' Club

Just like you would hire a babysitter, you can hire a plant sitter! Find a friendly neighbor you trust and ask them if they would be willing to come by every few days to check on your plants. You can leave a list of different types of plants that require different care, but it helps to make the process as simple as possible for the caretaker.

Group plants that require similar care and label them according to their needs. This way it is much easier to navigate and you can feel good about your plants while you are away.

Happy to see you again!

Once you return, check on your plants, say hello and tell them about your vacation. They are very good listeners and they probably missed you a lot. Return them to their original location (if you moved them) and check for any signs of new growth while you're gone!

Traveling and maintaining healthy plants are not mutually exclusive. With a little planning and the right strategies, you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about coming home to sad, neglected plants. So don't hesitate, book this trip, enjoy the sun and rest easy knowing that your green friends can be well taken care of. You deserve it!

Hilton Carter is a plant and interior stylist, artist and author from Baltimore.