If you are heading out on vacation and worried about your plants, don’t stress as there’s a simple trick that can keep them watered the whole time you’re gone.
All you need is a big pot of water, some cotton string, and a little setup before you leave.
This wick watering method works beautifully because the strings slowly draw water from the container down into your plant pots.
It also gives your plants just enough moisture without drowning them.
What You’ll Need
- One large container (about 8-10 inches deep) to hold water, this could be a pot, mixing bowl, or even a bucket.
- Cotton string or shoelaces (12-24 inches long each, depending on the distance from your water pot to your plants). Natural fibers work best.
- A stool or stand about 12-18 inches tall to elevate the water container.
- Your plant pots, arranged around the stand.
Step-by-Step Guide to Wick Watering
Step 1: Pick your water source
Choose a container that holds enough water for the time you’ll be gone.
For a one-week trip, a pot holding 1-2 gallons is usually plenty for several small to medium houseplants.
Step 2: Elevate it
Place the container on a stool, chair, or counter so that it sits higher than your plants.
You need to aim for at least 12 inches above the pots. Gravity is what helps the water move down the wicks.
Step 3: Cut and soak your wicks
You now cut cotton strings long enough to stretch from the bottom of the water pot into the soil of each plant.
A good rule: add an extra 2-3 inches so the string tucks deeply into the soil.
Before setting them in place, soak the strings in water. This jumpstarts the flow.
Step 4: Insert the wicks
Place one end of each string all the way to the bottom of your water container.
Then tuck the other end 2-3 inches deep into the soil of each pot, pressing the soil gently around it so it stays secure.
Step 5: Fill with water
Finally, fill your water container to the top.
You should check that each string looks damp and is touching both the water source and the soil. That’s it, the system is set!
Tips for Success
If you’re going away for a longer trip (10-14 days), use a bigger water container or double up the wicks for thirstier plants.
Stick to cotton or wool strings, synthetic fibers don’t wick water well.
And remember, the water pot must sit higher than the plants, otherwise the water won’t flow.
It’s also smart to do a trial run a day or two before leaving to see how well it works for your setup.
Why Wick Watering Method Works
This setup mimics nature’s own system. Just as roots draw water upward through soil, the cotton wicks pull moisture down into the pots using capillary action.
It’s a slow, steady process that keeps your plants hydrated without flooding them.
So, next time you’re off on vacation, don’t feel guilty about leaving your plants behind.
With a pot of water, some string, and a little prep, you’ll come home to green, healthy leaves waiting for you.
