Houseplant hacks: can a damp towel keep plants alive?

"Wrapping damp towels around the base and sides of your pots creates a slow-release moisture jacket that keeps the root zone cooler and hydrated."

"This method works best for medium to large pots in a cool room, and it is important not to wrap succulents or cacti."

"The test on a fern showed that the compost stayed noticeably cooler and retained moisture better than an unwrapped pot."

"A damp towel wrap is a genuinely useful option for moisture-loving plants over a short break, but it won't replace a proper watering system for more than five or six days."

Leaving plants unattended can cause anxiety about their health. A practical solution involves wrapping damp towels around the pots to create a moisture-retaining layer. This method helps keep the root zone cooler and reduces evaporation. After watering the plants, a damp towel is wrapped around the pot and secured. Testing this method on a fern showed improved moisture retention compared to an unwrapped pot. While effective for short breaks, it is not a substitute for a proper watering system for longer durations.

Read at www.theguardian.com