Going Away and need help/advice...

[Stickyplant]

If I am going away for 5 days during the veg stage... if I over water before I go, cut back on the lighting (to prevent drying out) and or cover the soil with plastic wrap, will the plant be okay for that time?

It is a very healthy plant.

Any tricks or tips appreciated
Thanks

[phytokind]

Don't cover the soil with plastic wrap, I think that that may increase mold growth or even suffocate your plant. Most nurseries sell some kind of simple, cheap auto-watering gadget, it's like a tube or something that pulls water into the soil somehow.

[stinkyattic]

Don't change the light schedule or plastic-wrap your soil.
You can make a wick watering system for your plants instead.

[Stickyplant]

I would be interested in a very easy way to do a wick watering system... if anyone has one.
Thanks

[smoky mcpot 05]

First off how big is your plant and what size container is it in? I agree with phytokind about covering up the soil, this will infact cause mold. I would suggest over watering like crazy before your go. I've also made a niffty little auto watering system with a gallon milk jug, drilling a hole about 3/8" in the cap. Attaching it sideways somehow, and than let her drip, its a little inefficent but it will get the job done. If your plant is very healthy like you say you should have any problems. Also I would augment the lighting schedule as this will cause more stress to 'her' that going a little while without water.

[mashedguy]

when i grew in soil i used to use a 10ltr bucket, with a small pond pump on low flow connected to a 7 day timer. The flow tube was just placed on the top of the pot with an adjustable tap on the end to ensure you only get a limited flow of water. You have to play with this to get the flow right. It was timed to come on for 2mins every day. Found this was more than ample to keep my plants alive while i was away. just don't use a big bucket of water as if you get the flow wrong you'll come back to a flood

[Stickyplant]

Hey thanks guys... It is in an 11 quart pot.
So just under 3 gallons, and has 2 colas at about 16-18 inches tall right now. She is not at maturity yet. I have been waiting for alternating nodes... but I find in plants with multiple tops... it seems to tak longer to reach maturity.

Thanks for the suggestions!

[smoky mcpot 05]

Very good idea, Mashedguy.

I'd say that a 3 gallon pot with a 1 1/2 foot tall plant, would be fine just to flood it before you leave.

Have a good trip.