What's the best way to water while on vacation?

15 years ago

Hi Everyone,

Have been entertaining family who were here from Barcelona, Spain.We had a great time, but I had no time to get on the computer. I have some questions as to what I should do when I leave for Chicago then Nebraska ( will be gone for 2 weeks)I hate leaving my hoyas!!!

Ok here goes.

I bought a Kerri from Gardino's about 3 wwks ago she's doing fine so far. However, the medium it's in has a lot of perlite. Should I change the soil now or wait till I get back? Or, not change it at all. Kerri's like to go dry just like the some of the other hoyas?

Also, I bought what I believe to be Bella ( one of you ladies posted a pic of your Bella and it looked just like mine.) This hoya appears to need a lot more water than the others. Is that about right? I noticed last night that some leaves were falling and some of the other leaves appeared a bit shriveled. I didn't want to over water, but I gave her a good shower anyway. She looks good today.

My Mom is going to come over and water my plants but the house will get really hot. Maybe I should take them to her place and put them outside in a shady place...Or maybe I could just take them all with me!!!! I am so worried about leaving my plants. Isn't that insane? Please make me feel better and tell me I am not ALONE!

Worried Mom of 8 beautiful Hoyas!

alba in Hawthorne,CA

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Comments (5)

puglvr1
15 years ago
Hi Alba, I feel your pain, LOL...I am going to visit my Sister in Las Vegas in Oct and my poor Hoyas/Plants are at my DH's mercy. At least you have your Mom to water yours, I'll trade you, LOL...

I love him dearly, but my DH is NOT a plant person, he doesn't know the difference between a Hoya and a Jade plant,you might say he is "BOTANICALLY CHALLENGED", LOL and I'm so so afraid what I will find when I get home. I'm already giving him some prep talk and mini lessons. All he says is, wait till it gets closer, I won't remember all that...I am doomed :o( just kidding, I think I will just call him every day and tell him exactly which ones need/not need watering. That might be the best way...

My only advise to you is to tell your Mom to water the plants when they are mostly dry, except some of the ones that you know prefer a little more moist. I'm a Hoya newbie myself, only started January of this year...Good Luck!I'm sure your Mom will take great care of them, feel sorry for me instead, LOL... Enjoy your vacation!!
alba_gardener
Original Author
15 years ago
Hi Puglvr,
Thanks for your support. Iam sure my Mom will take good care of my plants. It's just that I know exactly what they need!!! Oh well. Have fun in Las Vegas!
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mdahms1979
15 years ago
I have been battling this problem for years and every year when I return from vacation there are fewer plants than when I left. If you are going to be gone for more than a week you really need to figure out how to keep your plants from drying out completely. I have paid friends or family to take care of my plants but it seems that it makes no real difference even with a page of instructions as there are always some very sad looking plants when I return. My Hoyas were fine when I got back after a week but my orchids always seem to fare the worst.
One thing you might want to look into is a capillary mat that will keep the plants moist. I think I will be investing in one for next year as I lost many of my more delicate plants while on vacation this year. Lee Valley sells capillary mats here in Canada but I don't know where to look for them in the U.S.

Mike
Mentha
15 years ago
A word of advise, do not do anything to your plants until after you get back. With the stress of being alone or a couple weeks, you do not want them stressed from repotting. If your mix has a lot of perlite I'd be happy, they need the good drainage.

What I'd do is move every plant to the bathroom so they are close to the water source. Put them on a rag towel in the tub then soak the towel, and water your plants really well. Turn the faucet just enough just enough to let the water drip onto the towel about one or two drips/minute. This will keep the bathroom cooler, plants somewhat moist and higher humidity. Those you can't put in the tub have your mom water them. Keep the bathroom light on while you are gone. You should come home to nice looking plants.

Those you can't fit in the tub have your mom water.
marypatter
15 years ago
After years of hiring the teen girl next door, (who by the way did not take very good care of my plants, I think she just partied at my house) I now use a product called Driwater. It is a time release water, not one of those polymers (I don't like those) and it is my savior! I use it for my indoor and outdoor plants and am thrilled when I come home to beautiful plants. Easy to use and very reasonable, I buy it direct from the company. I wish they would come out with a powdered form, but they said not at this time. I'll keep checking back. I tried the water globes but they either dropped all the water at once or didnt want to drop the water at all. I followed the instructions, but had no luck with these. They are pretty, but not very dependable.

Here is a link that might be useful: DriWater Web Site

What's the best way to water while on vacation?

Comments (5)

puglvr1

alba_gardener
Original Author

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mdahms1979

Mentha

marypatter

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What's the best way to water while on vacation?

Comments (5)

puglvr1

alba_gardenerOriginal Author

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mdahms1979

Mentha

marypatter

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alba_gardener
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