With the summer holidays upon us there is always a check list to consider before you go… arrange a cat sitter, empty the bins, water the plants – coupled with pangs of worry whether treasured plants will survive whilst you are away. Well many houseplants cope particularly well with drought conditions so are ideal plant choices if you spend a lot of time away from home.
Whether you are off for a few weeks or are a busy bee and just forget to water your plants we share a few suggestions for low maintenance, beautiful foliage plants that are uplifting additions to any home but require very little attention.
Pre Holiday Checklist
Before you depart for a summer of sun, sea and sightseeing there are a few simple things you can do to give your houseplants the best chance of survival until you return.
Give all your houseplants a good water and feed; Plantsmith’s Fortifying Houseplant Feed & Tonic, Nurturing Orchid Feed & Tonic or Invigorating Cacti & Succulent Feed provide an ideal balance of nutrients. A token splash on the surface is not going to cut it so fill a tub with rainwater and submerge each pot for a few minutes to let water soak through the soil, this will ensure all roots get a drink, then leave pots to drain so excess water is not left hanging around.
Group pots together, this mini microclimate will increase humidity and is particularly useful if the weather is hot, slowing down the rate water is lost. If you have a bath this is an ideal location to leave your houseplants for their summer vacation whilst you are away.
Obviously this isn’t going to work for large potted plants so give these plants a thorough water and feed, and sit them on a saucer.
If you are away for longer you could consider watering via wicking. This is one of the simplest forms of irrigation and will keep plants ticking over. Place strips of cotton fabric or nylon rope in a pot of water with the other length inserted into the plant pot’s soil; water will slowly seep along the material creating a capillary action which waters the soil. Many plants can be watered at the same time with this method.
Move plants away from direct bright sunlight to reduce water evaporation.
Have a last minute check for bugs. Pick off anything by hand and spray with Plantsmith’s Protecting Bug Control Spray to keep pests at bay.
If you are going away for months, phone a friend! Get a plant loving buddy to pop in and give your cherished plants the occasional soak.
The funny thing with going away we can often find our houseplants actually grow better; sometimes leaving them to just get on with it naturally rather than being fussed over is just what they wanted as a holiday.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia, ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia is one tough plant and can cope with most environmental conditions your home throws at it. Bright indirect light is ideal but it will happily grow in low light too and the good news for holiday goers is that the ZZ plant is capable of surviving a few months without water.
Originating from dry east African grasslands and forests it prefers its soil to dry out before re-watering but you don’t have to push it to its limits, watering once every two to three weeks and feeding once a month is optimal.
This tropical perennial has attractive, shiny, glossy leaves that start their lives a vivid lime green hue and darken to a deep emerald green as they mature. These alternate pinnately compound leaves sprout from thick, long leaf stalks.
Keep your plant away from cold drafts and you can rest easy.
Snake plant, Dracaena trifasciata formerly known as Sansevieria trifasciata
Dracaena trifasciata are stunning architectural plants native to central and western Africa with long green variegated leaves, often edged with a gold margin. This is one independent plant, perfectly adapted to survive with sparse waterings. They detest soggy roots and overwatering which makes them an ideal houseplant if you need to spend time away from your plants.
Keep the snake plant’s long leaves clear of dust with a spray of Plantsmith Leaf Shine and Cleanser then wipe them down with a damp cloth. Go on holiday with a clean conscious knowing this houseplant is unflappable.
Opuntia, prickly pear cactus
Storing water in their fleshy stems prickly pear cactus, Opuntia, make the perfect holiday houseplant breezing through periods of minimal watering without a care. Just be aware that these desert cacti, native to the Americas, like all plants, still need water to thrive and benefit from a fortnightly or once a month drink depending on how quick the soil dries out; this will fluctuate depending on whether it is a scorching summer or dismally cold.
These flowering cacti produce flat photosynthetic shoots known as cladodes covered in spiny or spineless areola. Watch out for those spikes; take care if handling and wear gloves. Steer clear of humid areas like bathrooms; a bright sunny spot will keep this low maintenance cacti happy.
Gasteria, Ox-tongue
Gasteria are aloe-type succulents native to South Africa that thrive in low water conditions. Looking like a cross between a haworthia and aloe, gasteria sport thick succulent foliage with slightly serrated edges; these hard leaves sprout in opposing directions from a swollen base.
Water the soil not the leaves and avoid watering the central crown or it may promote rot and look out for mealybugs that can hide in the leaf joints.
This self-sufficient houseplant will barely notice you are away.
Pilea peperomiodes, Chinese money plant
Pilea peperomiodes a.k.a. Chinese money plant is a perfect partner for even for the most reluctant gardener. Originating from the Yunnan Province in Southern China this quirky houseplant has waxy, glossy, coin-like leaves which are believed to bring good luck. Perpetually multiplying you will soon be inundated with numerous baby pilea to share with friends.
In summer water when the top inch of soil is dry, normally every one to two weeks and feed once a month. The best way to ensure all the roots get moisture is to the dunk the entire pot in a bucket of water and then let the water drain out.
This popular plant thrives with neglect so you can admire its flying saucer-type leaves safe in the knowledge that this plant can hold its own even if you are holidaying in a galaxy far far away.
