Where can I keep my plants when I'm away?

[Iris]

Hi Everyone,

Can anyone tell me if there is any place (shops) in Singapore where they provide "plant-sitting" service?

I'll away for 3 weeks and am having difficulty in finding someone to take care of my plants. These plants just need daily watering.

Thanks.

Iris

[JD]

I'm personally not aware of anywhere that offers this service. Do you have a neighbour/work colleague that could take the plants in to their place for the time you're away? Or if you trust someone perhaps thier maid could pop in and do it and pick up your mail etc.

[Green fingers]

My family oftens goes away for 4 weeks and we've had the same problem, what to do with the plants. I was told by somebody to put all the plants in the bathtub, put the plug in and fill the tub about an inch above the base of the pots, then they'll be able to take water from it. It's worked for me but I only have everyday plants nothing that requires special attention. Maybe this will help you.

[PlantHotel]

Since nurseries do "rent" out greenery (which they deliver and bring "home" every couple of weeks so that the plants will have a natural environment out in the open for a couple of weeks before being sent back to an office or shopping centre all enclosed) perhaps one such company might be interested in transporting your potted plants to their premises and return them to you after a couple of weeks.

[Brent]

Stick them in the bath put the plug in and leave a little bit of water in the bath, they'll last for weeks?

[Britwife]

I've always been used to putting my houseplants in the bath when I lived in England and off for my annual fortnight's holiday.......but because of the mosquito problem in Singapore I'd be too scared to do it in case one got into the bathroom and started to breed in the bathwater - I can just imagine the Environmental health arriving and giving me a huge fine (and front page coverage on the Straits Times to set an example!) I know of an American lady who was fined $50 when a saucer was found by them in her garden, she had no idea it was even there.

Sadly for me I've entrusted my husband in the past to "care" for my plants - ie. just water them when I've gone on home leave, but he's just let them all die, including lots of lovely orchids which graced the balcony. I've given up on plants now!

[Nota Planta]

I remember a time when people would put their tiny plants in a big bottle (about 10 inches in diameter and perhpas 12 inches high) with some earth in it. The bottle is corked and moistures is trapped.

In the same way, you could perhaps simulate a bottle, make a big bag using plastic sheets and make it as airtight as possible. Then you soak the pots for an hour or so before you go.

I have not tried this and you do this at your own risk. Or you could play it safe and contract with a nursery to plant-sit for you.