Simply screw a wine bottle filled with water to the stake, then insert the stake into your potted plant. The water will release slowly and steadily while you're away. Depending on the plant and its water needs, you may want to use two per plant.
For longer trips, watering and mulching may not be enough to keep your plants healthy. A rain barrel can provide a continual supply of water. Attach a soaker hose to a rain barrel and snake the tubing through your garden. The stored water will slowly run out through the hose and saturate the ground.
Water your plant thoroughly and then cover with a clear plastic bag to just below the lip of the planter, creating a makeshift greenhouse. Make sure to cut a couple slits in the plastic to allow for ample air circulation... plants need to breathe, too!
Place a large jug of water near your plant pot, then insert one end of a length of twine into the jug and the other into the soil of your plant. Puncture holes in a plastic bottle, fill it with water, and bury it next to your outdoor plant. Wrap your entire plant in a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse.
Plants can go to a maximum of a week without water, however, some plants can go for even longer periods of time, such as for two weeks or even a month. It would depend on the type of plant and its drought tolerance level.
A few days before they leave he gathers the variety of plants scattered throughout their home and waters them heavily, letting each one drain well. Then he finds all the plastic bags, clear or dark, and begins the process of placing each plant in a bag.
Place gallon jugs or jars of water (size dependent on how long you expect to be gone) alongside your plant with a piece of twine or yarn in the water, and the other end around the soil of the plant. The water will wick from the jug to the plant and keep it's soil moist while you are gone.
They're great for people who don't have time to water their pot plants every day in summer. Remember, these crystals do not save water but increase the water holding capacity of the soil, so you still need to water your plants regularly – especially on hot days!
Yes, watering globes actually do work.
That said, they aren't always perfect (read in the next section to see why). They also work better than plant humidifiers as humidifiers usually have a run time of 8-16 hours. Even the biggest one can run only for a maximum of 96 hours.
Generally, an average-sized water bulb will last nothing more than two weeks. However, many factors can define how long can watering globes last. These factors include the size of the opening of the watering bulb's neck or stem, the soil type, plant type, and the size and design of the glass bulb itself.
Desert dwellers like succulents are able to store water for long periods of time, and their soil likes to stay dry. When you water your jade plants, for example, feel free to give them a soak, but make sure they dry out completely—wait weeks (or even a month) before watering again.
Help Avoid Water Damage by Turning Off Your Water Supply
If a pipe bursts or leaks while you are away, it could cause significant damage. Consider completely turning off the water supply if you will be away for an extended period of time.
While your potted plants and hanging baskets may love to soak up the sun in general, they will appreciate a bit of shade when you aren't able to water them for a few days. Shady conditions will help the soil stay moist longer, which is very helpful for potted plants since pots dry out much more quickly than the ground.
Shower Or Bathtub
The bathtub or shower can be used for watering potted plants while on vacation. Keep indoor plants hydrated for a period of 1 to 2 weeks with this method. You need a shower tray or bathtub for this and some old but clean towels.
Adapted to the desert environment, Selaginella lepidophylla can survive without water for several years, drying up until it retains only 3% of its mass. The plant can live and reproduce in arid regions for long periods of time.
Kollea Reliable Automatic Watering System, Plant Self Watering System Automatic Drip Irrigation Kit with 60-Day Programmable Timer, LED Display & USB Power, Indoor Irrigation System for Potted Plants.