Whether it's a summer vacation or a short weekend trip: With every absence, the problem remains that the indoor plants still have to be watered. If neighbors or friends cannot take on this task, automatic or home-made irrigation systems can help.
A simple irrigation system can be created with a few tools
Automatic watering system for indoor plants
One of the following irrigation systems, for example, which are commercially available for little money and can be used again and again, is practical.
irrigation cone
If you are only going to be away for a few days, so-called irrigation cones are a proven method of supplying thirsty houseplants with water. These cones are available in different variations and from different manufacturers, but they all work on a similar principle. The water stored in an external container is slowly and gradually released into the plant pot via a plastic or clay cone inserted into the ground. You have the following systems to choose from:
- Irrigation cone with attached glass balloon
- Irrigation cone connected to a storage tank by a hose
- Irrigation cone that is simply screwed onto a PET or glass bottle
Basically, you should give preference to irrigation cones made of clay, as they deliver the water to the substrate more reliably. It just seeps through the porous material. Plastic cones, on the other hand, simply have a drainage hole through which the liquid drains.
With pump and timer
The system from a well-known manufacturer, which works with a pump and timer, is very sophisticated and reliable. Here the water is supplied via supply lines and drip hoses, through which the water is transported directly to the plants with the help of a small submersible pump. It is watered once a day for about a minute, which is regulated by a specially programmed timer. The disadvantage of this system, however, is its price: You can budget for this irrigation from EUR 120 upwards.
Do-it-yourself systems - simple and effective
At these prices, you can get away much cheaper if you make your own irrigation system (€32.95). No complicated or expensive materials are required for this, most people already have them at home. However, it is essential to work carefully when building your own - if the system does not work, your plants may die while you are away. Therefore, it makes sense to test the self-built irrigation system first while you are at home. Then you can eradicate possible sources of error in good time. You have these options for a self-built irrigation system:
- Bathtub: lined with thick towels and filled with water about five centimeters high, put plants in it without a planter
- Woolen thread: connect the plant pot and bucket filled with water using a woolen or cotton cord, pull it tight
- PET bottle: Fill the PET or glass bottle with water and put it upside down in the substrate (for flower boxes (€16.99) and large tubs)
- Granules: Only place plants in the plant pot in a larger container filled with granules and moistened with water
tips
The easiest way to water your holiday is to use hydroponics from the start.