If you’re going to be away from home, check out these home-made ways to keep your plants hydrated.
For those who want to enjoy their holiday without worrying about their plants, this invention and alternative means are perfect.
With the arrival of summer and the long-awaited holidays, many people are faced with the challenge of how to keep their plants healthy when they are not at home. Traditionally, plant owners have relied on family members, friends or neighbours to water their plants while they are away. But a nurse living in Spain has caused a sensation on social media by sharing a homemade invention that solves the problem in a simple and practical way.
Nurse Irena, a TikTok user known as @irenefdz_ , has developed a watering system that works similarly to the intravenous drips used in hospitals. Her ingenious creation allows plants to receive water evenly and gradually, so they are irrigated without the need for someone to look after them.
The drip system was inspired by medical devices:
In a viral video, which has already garnered more than 2.5 million views and 150,000 likes, Irena explains how she uses water bottles connected to drip trays similar to those used in medicine. With this system, the water is released slowly, so the plants get the right amount of water to stay healthy for weeks when they are not around.
“POV: You go on holiday for 15 days, but you’re a nurse,” says Irena in the video, demonstrating how her home system works. Many users were impressed by her ingenuity, and some even asked for more details so they could replicate it. Irena replied in the comments, “Serum + dosiflow system, you heat the cap of the bottle and insert the serum system. She also pointed out that these materials are easily available in online shops.
Alternatives to the invention
While Irena’s drip system has conquered social media, there are other equally practical options to keep plants well looked after during the holidays:
- Watering containers: placed at the plant’s feet, these devices collect water and release it slowly. This is a great solution when they are not available for a week and can be filled with rainwater.
- Mulching: Covering the soil surface with straw, bark or similar helps to retain moisture and reduce evaporation.
- Grouping of pots: placing plants together in the shade not only reduces water loss but also maintains a more constant moisture level around them.
- Water bath: by placing the pots in a container of water, they absorb moisture by capillary action. However, this method should be used with caution as too much water for too long can cause the roots to rot.
Irena’s ingenuity has inspired many to find creative solutions to everyday problems. Her invention shows how knowledge in different fields can be applied in unexpected circumstances to improve everyday life.
For those who want to enjoy their holidays without worrying about their plants, both this invention and alternative remedies are excellent choices. Of course, a little preparation can ensure that our green friends will continue to grow happily while we enjoy our well-earned rest.
