Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Garden

3 ways your plants can water themselves

Who knew? - by Livia Gamble
  • 18 Aug 2020

When holidaying resumes, your poor houseplants are going to have to fend for themselves again. 

WATCH: How to make a simple self-watering pot

Underwatering is one of the most common ways you can kill a plant. Luckily, there are a couple of methods you can set up to give your shrubs a fighting chance.

Three ways your plants can water themselves while you are on holiday

Capillary matting 

Holiday Mat - Water your plants while on holiday

This method involves wetting a capillary mat in a tray and placing your plants on top. They should take care of themselves for 14 - 21 days. 

Wick system

Water wicks work great for indoor plants

Using cotton wicks, place one end in your plant and the other end in a container of water that is higher than your plant's pot. The water will slowly make its way from the water to the plant, keeping the soil moist while you are away. 

For more information, click here. Or, watch the video above. 

Slow-seepage system

How to water plants when on vacation

All you need is an empty bottle. Cut the bottle in half, place multiple holes in the lid, bury in your pot and fill with water. The water should slowly seep out, keeping your plant watered while you are away. 

You may also like 

5 indoor plants you can't kill by overwatering

How to save a dying plant

The music you play at home can affect how your plants grow

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

You can now buy an IV drip to help keep your plants alive

You can now buy an IV drip to help keep your plants alive

Simple way to tell if your plants need watering

Simple way to tell if your plants need watering

How to remove mould from your plant's soil and leaves

How to remove mould from your plant's soil and leaves

How to care for your indoor plants in winter

How to care for your indoor plants in winter

{headline}

{headline}

10 of the best large indoor pots to elevate your plant game

10 of the best large indoor pots to elevate your plant game

How to bottom-water your pot plants

How to bottom-water your pot plants

5 plants that naturally repel mosquitoes

5 plants that naturally repel mosquitoes

{headline}

{headline}

Make an adorable window planter box

Make an adorable window planter box

How to grow and care for pitcher plants

How to grow and care for pitcher plants

6 ways you're killing your houseplants

6 ways you're killing your houseplants

8 plants that thrive in full shade

8 plants that thrive in full shade

Best 10 indoor plants at Bunnings

Best 10 indoor plants at Bunnings

A massive three-day garden expo is coming with more than 60,000 plants on sale daily

A massive three-day garden expo is coming with more than 60,000 plants on sale daily

How to moon garden

How to moon garden

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription