Caring for succulents while on vacation for succulents while on vacation can be as simple as asking a friend or family member to water them for you. Succulents don’t need a lot of water, so a quick watering once or twice a week should be enough to keep them happy. Just be sure to provide clear instructions on how often to water and how much water to give, as over-watering can be a common problem. If finding a friend you trust enough to care for your succulents while you’re away, keep reading for a bunch of recommendations and tips.
Vacation Succulent Care Guide:
Self-Watering Succulent Care System
A self-watering system is a great option for those who want to ensure their succulents stay healthy and hydrated while away. The system can be set up with various products such as automatic watering systems, wicking systems, and capillary mats. Each of these options works to keep your plants watered without the need for constant attention.
Automatic watering systems use timers and sensors to automatically water your plants at set intervals. This is a convenient option for those who will be away for a longer period of time. Wicking systems involve placing a wick in the soil of your succulent, which then draws water from a reservoir as the soil dries out. Capillary mats work similarly, with the mat wicking water up into the soil as needed.
Setting up a self-watering system for your succulents can provide peace of mind when leaving your plants for an extended period. Be sure to choose the appropriate system based on your specific needs and the needs of your plants.
Location, Location, Location!
In addition to watering, the location of your succulents is another important factor to consider when you’re planning a vacation. As we know, succulents need plenty of sunlight to grow and thrive. So, it’s essential to ensure that they’re placed in a location where they can receive enough natural light.
Ideally, succulents need at least six hours of sunlight each day. However, if you’re going to be away from home, you need to make sure that they’re not exposed to direct sunlight for too long as this can cause sunburn or heat damage.
If you’re not able to provide adequate natural light to your succulents, you may consider using grow lights to keep them healthy while you’re away. Grow lights are designed to provide the right type of light and intensity that your plants need to grow. There are many different types of grow lights available in the market, including LED grow lights, fluorescent grow lights, and high-intensity discharge (HID) grow lights. Make sure to choose the one that best suits your succulent’s needs and the amount of time you’ll be away.
Caring for Succulents While on Longer Vacations
If you’re planning a long vacation or will be unable to provide care for your succulents at all, another option is to move them to a temporary location. You can ask a friend or family member to take care of your plants while you’re away, or you can move them to a temporary greenhouse or indoor location. Just be sure to provide clear instructions on how to care for your succulents, and check in regularly to make sure they’re doing well.
If you don’t have anyone available to care for your succulents, you can consider moving them to a temporary greenhouse or indoor location. This can help to provide your plants with the necessary light and water they need to survive while you’re away. A temporary greenhouse can also help to protect your plants from extreme temperatures or weather conditions.
When moving your succulents to a temporary location, be sure to choose a space that is well-ventilated and receives adequate light. You can also consider investing in a portable greenhouse or indoor grow tent to create a suitable environment for your plants. Make sure to also adjust your watering routine accordingly, as your plants may require less water in their new environment.
Remember to always check on your succulents regularly, even if they’re in a temporary location. This will allow you to catch any issues early on and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your plants are healthy and happy when you return from your vacation.
Take Cuttings Before You Go
Consider taking cuttings. If you are concerned about your full succulents drying out, you can take stem or leaf cuttings. The cuttings do not need as much water to survive, and propagating them will produce new plants if the main plants do dry out. Just be sure to leave the main succulents in a bright spot and water them thoroughly before you leave as well.
What are some common problems that can occur with succulents while I’m away?
Some common problems that can occur with succulents while you are away include:
• Drying out: If succulents do not receive enough water, they can dry out and die. Their leaves will become shriveled, soft, and wrinkled if they are severely dehydrated. Checking that there is adequate moisture before leaving and using a watering system or asking someone to check on your plants can help avoid drying out.
• Sunburn: If succulents that are accustomed to shade are suddenly moved into intense sunlight, their leaves can burn. Sunburn appears as brown or red spots or patches on the leaves. Gradual acclimation to more sun exposure and using shade cloth can prevent sunburn. Be sure any automatic shade systems are functioning properly before leaving.
• Rot: If succulents are overwatered or do not have enough drainage, rot can set in, especially in hot, humid weather. Root rot and stem rot appear as dark, smelly spots that spread through the soil or plant. Leaving the soil to dry out, improving drainage, and avoiding overwatering can help prevent rot. An automatic watering system should not be used if drainage is poor.
• Pests: Mealybugs, scale, and other succulent pests can infest plants while you are away. Regular inspection of your succulents can catch pests early before populations grow large. Having someone check on your plants or using pest control measures before leaving can reduce the risk of pests becoming a major problem in your absence.
• Etiolation: If succulents do not receive enough light, they can become etiolated, or stretched out. Their growth will be weak and spindly instead of compact and healthy. Providing adequate light and using a shade system properly adjusted can prevent etiolation. If etiolation occurs, the stretched growth cannot be reversed, but the succulent can be propagated from healthy leaves or cuttings to produce a new compact plant.
By being aware of these potential issues and taking precautions before leaving, you can minimize problems with your succulents while you are away on vacation. With proper preparation and care, your succulents should stay healthy until you return.
Overall, with a little planning and preparation, you can ensure that your succulents stay healthy and happy while you’re away on vacation. Whether you ask a friend to water them, set up a self-watering system, or move them to a temporary location, there are many options of caring for succulents while on vacation.
What You Need to Care for Your Succulents While on Vacation
All of the items below and more can be found here in my Amazon store.
Here are some reliable automatic watering systems for succulents:
• Drip irrigation kits: Drip irrigation kits use a timer to provide water through drippers or small tubes at a steady rate. Available for indoor and outdoor use. Kits from brands like Rain Bird and Orbit are easy to set up and the drippers can be adjusted to provide the right amount of water for your succulents.
• Self-watering spikes: Self-watering spikes are placed in the soil and use capillary action to draw up water as needed. They attach to a reservoir that provides a constant supply of water. Spikes from Aqua Globes and other brands work well for individual succulent pots. The spikes prevent overwatering but can clog over time.
• Sub-irrigation systems: Sub-irrigation systems use a reservoir of water below a pot or tray of succulents. The succulents draw up water as needed. Capillary mat kits are one type of sub-irrigation system. These automated systems provide a steady and even water supply but can be tricky to setup and monitor.
When choosing an automatic watering system, consider the types of succulents you have, your climate, and how often you will be away. For most succulent collections, a drip irrigation kit is effective and easy to use. For individual pots, self-watering spikes can work well. Always test the system before leaving to ensure it provides the right amount of water and be sure there is proper drainage to prevent root rot. With some attention, an automatic watering system can keep your succulents healthy while you are away.
Where to Buy Succulents Online
