Watering plants whilst on holiday

chanelle2

hi, recently i went away from home for the weekend leaving 3 plants behind. i gave them to a good neighbour to water everyday (house plants) and whilst 2 seemed okay when i got back, the 3rd, which i absolutely adore, seemed like it had withered away.

i don't really want my plants to die over a weekend, so was wondering if there are any tools out there which have a timer and automatically water the plants if left next to it. not sure if something like this is invented. what do you do?

busiscoming2

Ive not heard of anything, but I leave my houseplants in a bowl of water or fill the bath a little and stand them in there.

MX5huggy

What plants are these? No ordinary house plant needs watering every day or going to die if left for the weekend. You clearly give very small quanties of water, double the quantity on the day you leave and again on the day you get back.

The only other thing to consider is moving them from direct sunlight.

The sick plant was probably over watered.

chanelle2

it could be overwatering.

the plant that looked wilted was http://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/gerbera-daisy-care.html

Yorkie1

If away for longer than a weekend, I've previously used an old bath towel as capillary matting - dampen it, put it on a water proof surface such as a worktop or the floor (depending on what yours are made from!), and then put one end in a bucket of water or a sink with water in. Then stand the plants on the towel - they can suck up water from the towel as required. And, as another poster said, keep them out of direct sunlight in order to reduce transpiration and thus need for water.

Newbie2saving

Or maybe go for one of these globe waterers. Ive got a few friends who rate them but dont have them myself. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00192XQV8/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/275-1389039-6328121

martyn05

As Yorkie1 said:

Lay a tea towel on the draining board so that it goes into your sink. Put water in the sink. Place plant pots on the tea towel and the plants will take what they need.