Having plants can certainly bring anyone’s living space to life. However, ensuring that your plants are taken care of in your absence can be quite stressful. Plant-sitters can be incredibly helpful in many scenarios, but their skills and fees vary depending on numerous factors.
Plant-sitters generally charge between $10 and $50 per day. But, some service providers use hourly pricing systems or flat rates depending on the number of plants. Additional factors may also affect prices, such as the traveling distance, long-term plant-sitting arrangements, and plant complexity.
Finding a trustworthy and affordable plant-sitter can be quite challenging depending on location, timeframes, and the amount of skill necessary. Join us as we discuss what to expect when finding someone to water your plants and aspects that should be considered before hiring a plant sitter.
Can I Pay Someone To Water My Plants?
Many nature-lovers pay someone to water their plants in various circumstances, whether it be for a few days due to a short business trip or over the course of a lengthy vacation out of town. Paying professionals to water the plants may be ideal in some cases, but it is not the most economical option for most individuals.
When To Pay Someone To Water The Plants
While professional plant-sitters will likely ensure that you are greeted with happy and healthy plants upon your return, they can be far more expensive than one might anticipate. Watering plants may seem like a relatively simple task, but there are many aspects to consider from the perspective of the plant-sitter in question.
The individual may need to travel a fair distance, irrespective of how many plants need watering. The person would need to be paid for their time and potentially their travel expenses. In some cases, one may end up hiring a house sitter that will water the plants as well.
If you only need to water common plants, hiring a professional may not be the best option. But, plant-sitting may be necessary in some cases considering how crucial the process is for many plants, such as misting or using specific watering can nozzles for certain species. As a result, plant-sitters may be necessary for special plants that require a skillful green thumb.
How Much To Pay Someone To Water Plants
There are various crucial factors to consider when assessing which arrangement would be most suitable for each unique scenario. Plant-sitters can be quite costly, especially if they are hired from a professional organization.
Comparing Plant-Sitter Pricing Systems
Professional plant-sitters typically use daily or hourly rates, although some may charge flat rates depending on the number of plants that need to be watered. Different plant-sitters also have varying limitations and offer different services, as some are restricted to indoor plants while others also offer outdoor gardening services.
For comparison, The Plant Sitters in Seattle uses a combination of pricing systems. They would generally charge $2 per plant with a minimum of 10 plants, while clients with under 10 plants would pay $20 per visit. Clients with more than 20 plants switch to an hourly rate, requiring $50 for the first hour and $15 for the following hours. Long-term sitting and complex plants also involve special prices.
Plants and Ponytails is limited to indoor plants and uses a flat rate of $25 per day up to 20 plants, $30 per day up to 30 plants, and $50 per day up to 120 plants. They charge flat rates for those within a 15 mile radius of their store in Hanover, MA, and charge 55 cents per mile for clients outside of this radius. They also offer additional services, such as fertilizing for $10, pruning for $10, or both for $15.
Plant-sitting fees differ greatly depending on many factors specific to the plants and the service provider. But, the general price for a client with a moderate number of plants would range between $10 and $50 per trip. This figure would need to be multiplied by the number of days or visits needed throughout your absence.
How Much Should I Pay My Teenager To Water Plants?
Many nature-lovers choose to pay their teenagers or teenage neighbors for watering the plants while they are away. Most teenage plant-sitters get paid approximately $10-$15 per day, with the exception of generous clients and possible tips for exceptional work ethic.
Although, one would need to consider that the job should be relatively simple in these cases. Hiring an inexperienced teenager to water the plants would be more suited to those needing care for simple plants such as garden flowers, bushes, and grass, as complex plants in need of specific skills may suffer from such an arrangement.
Self-Watering Systems For Plants
If your home is filled with relatively tough and resilient plant species and you will not be away for too long, you may be able to save some money by trying out self-watering systems. There are many effective and relatively inexpensive options online, such as self-watering planters and automatic drip spikes flaunting various features.
There are also DIY self-watering ideas that some claim to be effective. However, it is important to note that not all plant species would benefit from these devices. Certain plants genuinely need tender love and care to grow well, and paying someone to water them would still be the better option in these cases.
How Do You Find A Plant Sitter?
The best way to find a plant-sitter that can give your plants everything they need while you are away is to identify the plants’ needs, establish a budget, and work outwards from your location. Individuals with complex plants will likely need to hire a professional plant-sitter in the area by comparing prices, services, and additional fees.
Persons with simple plants and basic outdoor greenery can start by asking trustworthy neighbors, family members, or friends nearby, as this is usually the most practical option. Friends, family, and neighbors may not mind taking a few minutes out of their day to water your plants, especially if you have a great relationship and offer payment.
Considerations for plant-sitters are incredibly broad, ranging from the plants’ needs to location, timeframe, traveling, and services. In many cases, asking a trustworthy neighbor, family member, or friend would be the best option, and payment may be flexible depending on the situation. Although, professional plant-sitters may be a better option for those with a higher budget or especially sensitive plants.
Sources
https://www.plantsittersseattle.com/pricing
https://www.plantsandponytails.com/product/plant-sitting/608
https://jobsforteenshq.com/how-to-become-a-teenage-plant-sitter/
