We’ve all been there: you return from a well-deserved holiday, suitcase in hand, only to be greeted by a sad parade of wilted, crispy plants.
Unless you’ve roped in a neighbour, bribed a family member, or splurged on a house sitter, your green friends are often left to fend for themselves.
Most of us simply give them a good soak before we leave and cross our fingers, hoping for the best. But is there a better way to keep your plants happy while you’re off enjoying yourself?
Enter the humble Bunnings hack that’s been making waves among Aussie plant lovers. Professional homemaker Sophie Webb recently shared her clever ‘easy drip system’ on Instagram, and it’s as simple as it is affordable.
All you need is a ziplock bag, a toothpick, and a bit of water. Fill the bag, poke a tiny hole, and place it in your pot—voilà! The water slowly drips out, keeping your plant hydrated while you’re away.
Sophie’s followers were quick to praise the idea, calling it ‘brilliant’ and vowing to give it a go. But is it really the best solution for your precious indoor jungle?
Not everyone is convinced. Sydney’s own Plant Guy, Jan Gettmann, weighed in with a word of caution.
‘The idea in itself isn’t bad, but the execution is terrible,’ he said.
‘There needs to be some sort of valve or mechanism that controls the flow of water. The bag is just going to empty pretty quickly, causing your plant to sit in too much water, which will lead to root rot.’
Root rot, for the uninitiated, is the silent killer of many a houseplant. Too much water, especially when it sits stagnant, can suffocate roots and turn your once-thriving plant into a mushy mess. So, what’s a plant parent to do?
Jan recommends a more reliable—and still budget-friendly—solution: self-watering spikes. These nifty gadgets, available at Bunnings for just over $3, let you attach a water bottle and control the drip rate with a handy dial.
This means you can tailor the water flow to suit your plant’s needs, whether you’re away for a weekend or a fortnight.
‘The key aspect here is that you want to be able to control how much water is released and how long the release of water takes,’ Jan explains. ‘This ensures consistent moisture levels and avoids overwatering and root rot.’
While Jan admits he’s still experimenting with different brands, he’s confident that self-watering spikes are a step up from the ziplock bag method.
‘Every plant has different watering needs based on the species, the size of the plant, the substrate, the pot size, the environment it’s in, etc.’
‘So the calibration of this system is a bit of a pain, but it will be more reliable in dispensing water over time compared to the plastic bag, which just empties straight away,’ he says.
‘Might as well just pour a glass of water over it and not ruin the plastic bag.’
Of course, not everyone is ready to go full scientist for their indoor garden. As Jan points out, ‘Sometimes it’s not about hacks and tools, but all about community.’
If you’re lucky enough to have a plant-loving neighbour or a friend who owes you a favour, sometimes the best solution is to ask for a little help.
But for those who want a low-fuss, low-cost way to keep their plants alive while they’re away, the Bunnings self-watering spike is a game-changer. Just remember to test it out before you leave—every plant and pot is different, and a little trial and error goes a long way.
Extra tips for plant care while you’re away
- Move your plants out of direct sunlight to slow down water evaporation.
- Group plants together to create a mini greenhouse effect and retain humidity.
- Give your plants a thorough watering before you leave, but don’t drown them.
- Consider using mulch or pebbles on top of the soil to help retain moisture.
- For longer trips, ask a friend or neighbour to check in, or consider a professional plant-sitting service.
At the end of the day, a little planning goes a long way. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting your plant journey, there’s a solution out there to keep your leafy companions happy while you’re off exploring the world.
Have you tried any clever plant-watering hacks while you’ve been away? Did they work, or did you come home to a jungle disaster? Share your stories, tips, and photos in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Also read: Do your supermarket plants always die? Here’s what experts want you to know
