How to Care for Your Succulents While You're on Vacation

As a succulent lover, going on vacation can sometimes be stressful when you're worried about the well-being of your beloved plants. But fear not! With a little planning and preparation, you can ensure that your succulents thrive even while you're away.

To begin with, it's important to note that succulents prefer dry soil. If you're only going to be away for a short period of time, such as two weeks, it's perfectly fine to leave them untouched as they are capable of surviving without frequent care. However, if you'll be gone for longer time, say 1 month or 2 months, there are some options available to help you ensure the health and happiness of your succulents.

If you are a digital nomad as well as a succulent lover, this is the article for you.

Option 1: Self-Watering Planters

One of the most convenient options for caring for your succulents while you're on vacation is to use self-watering planters.

These innovative planters have a built-in reservoir that holds water, allowing the plants to take up moisture as they need it. This can help prevent overwatering or underwatering, which are common issues with succulents.

There are various self-watering planters available in the market, such as the "Phoenix Vine Self-Watering Planters" or "GardenBasix Self-Watering Planter Boxes", which are designed specifically for succulents and provide an efficient and low-maintenance way to care for your plants while you're away.

Phoenix Vine Self-Watering Planters

It's important to keep the water level low in the glass container when watering succulents, as they do not require much water.

Option 2: Watering Bulbs or Spikes

Another option for watering your succulents while you're on vacation is to use watering bulbs or spikes. These devices are inserted into the soil of your succulents' pots and slowly release water over time, keeping the soil moist.

You can find watering bulbs or spikes in various shapes and sizes, such as the "Terracotta Watering Spikes" or "Blumat Watering Stakes", which are specifically designed for potted plants and can be easily adjusted to release water at a rate that suits your succulents' needs.

Watering Spikes

Succulents typically have lower water requirements compared to other plants, which is why it's recommended to not fully insert watering stakes into the soil. This helps reduce the contact area between the stake and the soil, resulting in less water being delivered to the plant over time.

Option 3: Plant Sitters or Plant-Watering Systems

If you want to have more control over the watering process, you can consider using plant sitters or plant-watering systems.

Plant sitters are devices that monitor the moisture level of the soil and automatically water your plants when needed. Some popular plant sitters include the "Parrot Pot".

Option 4: Ask a Friend or Neighbor for Help

If you have a trustworthy friend, neighbor, or family member nearby, you can ask them to help care for your succulents while you're on vacation.

Make sure to provide them with clear instructions on how to water your plants, including the frequency and amount of water to be given. You can also consider offering to reciprocate the favor by caring for their plants when they are away, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Option 5: Set Up a DIY Watering System

If you prefer a more budget-friendly approach, you can set up a DIY watering system for your succulents. This can be done using common household items such as plastic bottles, cotton wicks, or drip irrigation tubing.

There are many tutorials available online that provide step-by-step instructions on how to create your own DIY watering system for succulents, for example, DIY Automatic Watering System For Indoor Plants

---

Leaving for vacation doesn't have to mean neglecting your succulents. With the options and products mentioned above, you can easily care for your succulents while you're away, ensuring that they remain healthy and happy!