Leaving for vacation is exciting, but for plant lovers, it also comes with the worry of how to keep indoor plants alive while away. Without proper preparation, plants can dry out, wilt, or even die, especially if the trip lasts more than a few days. While some hardy species can tolerate neglect, others require consistent moisture, humidity, and proper lighting to stay healthy.
Fortunately, there are several effective ways to keep plants thriving while you’re gone, even if you don’t have someone to care for them. Whether you’ll be away for a weekend getaway, a one-week trip, or a month-long vacation, these strategies will ensure your indoor jungle stays alive and well.
Watering Plants Before You Leave
One of the most important steps in preparing plants for your absence is watering them properly before leaving. However, a last-minute soaking is not the right approach. Instead, it’s best to give them a deep, thorough watering a day before departure, allowing the moisture to evenly distribute through the soil and ensuring the plant gets properly hydrated.
To do this, water each plant slowly and deeply until water starts draining from the bottom of the pot. Let the plant sit for about 30 minutes, then discard any standing water from the saucer to prevent root rot. Plants that thrive in humidity, such as ferns, calatheas, and peace lilies, will benefit from a light misting on their leaves as well.
For plants that are highly sensitive to overwatering, such as succulents and cacti, a deep watering may not be necessary unless they were already due for one. These plants prefer dry conditions and can usually last through a vacation without additional watering.
Adjusting Light and Placement to Reduce Water Loss
Where your plants are placed while you’re away can significantly impact how much moisture they retain. Moving plants to a more suitable location can help slow down evaporation and reduce stress.
One of the best tricks is to group plants together in one area, ideally in a spot that receives indirect light rather than direct sunlight. This not only prevents the soil from drying out too quickly but also creates a micro-humidity zone, where the collective moisture released by the plants benefits all of them.
Another effective strategy is to place more delicate plants in a cooler part of the home, such as a hallway or bathroom with a window. This helps regulate temperature and prevents the soil from drying out rapidly. However, if certain plants require bright light, ensure they are still receiving sufficient illumination, as extended periods in darkness can weaken them.
DIY Self-Watering Methods for Longer Trips
If your vacation will last longer than a week, a self-watering system can provide a steady supply of moisture while you’re away. There are several easy and cost-effective ways to do this, depending on the duration of your trip and the type of plants you have.
A water wicking system is one of the simplest methods. This involves placing a container of water near your plants and inserting a cotton rope, shoelace, or thin fabric strip into both the water and the soil. The material absorbs and gradually transfers moisture to the plant as needed, ensuring the soil remains damp but not overly saturated.
Another effective trick is the upside-down plastic bottle method. To set this up, fill a plastic bottle with water, poke a tiny hole in the cap, and place the bottle upside-down into the soil. Water will drip slowly over several days, keeping the plant hydrated without overwatering. This works especially well for medium-sized pots and larger plants that require consistent moisture.
For a more advanced approach, self-watering globes or watering spikes can also be used. These devices slowly release water over time, ensuring plants receive hydration in controlled amounts. While store-bought versions are available, they can also be improvised using a wine bottle or glass container filled with water.
Humidity and Moisture Retention Techniques
Some plants, especially tropical varieties, require higher humidity levels to thrive. Without adequate moisture in the air, they may develop brown leaf tips, crispy edges, or drooping foliage. A great way to maintain humidity while you’re away is to use the pebble tray method. Simply fill a shallow tray with pebbles, add water, and place the plant pot on top. As the water evaporates, it increases humidity around the plant, preventing it from drying out.
Bathrooms, if they receive natural light, can be an ideal location for plants while you’re away. The naturally higher humidity levels in these spaces help keep plants like ferns, orchids, and calatheas from drying out. If you have several humidity-loving plants, clustering them together in the bathroom can help them retain moisture.
For an even more effective approach, placing a clear plastic bag loosely over the plant can create a temporary greenhouse effect. This traps humidity and slows down water loss, but the bag should not be sealed completely, as plants still need some airflow to prevent mold growth.
What to Do for Extended Vacations (2+ Weeks Away)
For longer trips, additional precautions may be necessary to ensure plants remain healthy. If possible, asking a friend, family member, or neighbor to check on your plants once a week is the best option. Providing them with a simple, written care guide and pointing out which plants need more frequent watering can make things easier for them.
If plant care assistance isn’t available, consider using an automatic watering system. Devices like drip irrigation kits or programmable plant-watering systems can be set to release a controlled amount of water over time, reducing the risk of overwatering or drying out.
In some cases, temporarily switching plants to a hydroponic setup—where their roots absorb water from a reservoir—can be an effective solution for extended absences. This works well for plants that tolerate constant moisture, such as pothos, spider plants, and philodendrons.
Returning Home: Checking Your Plants After a Trip
After returning from vacation, it’s important to check on your plants right away and assess their condition. Start by inspecting the soil—if it’s bone dry, water the plant thoroughly and mist the leaves if necessary. If it’s still damp, wait before watering to prevent overwatering issues.
If you notice drooping, yellowing, or crispy leaves, trim off any damaged parts and gradually reintroduce the plant to its regular watering schedule. Avoid shocking the plant with too much water at once, as it may take time to recover.
For plants that look particularly stressed, consider giving them a boost by providing diluted fertilizer or placing them in a more optimal lighting environment. Within a few days, most plants will bounce back and continue growing as usual.
Enjoy Your Vacation Without Worrying About Your Plants
Taking a vacation doesn’t have to mean coming home to dead or struggling plants. With proper preparation—including deep watering, adjusting plant placement, self-watering hacks, and humidity tricks—your indoor garden can stay healthy and hydrated in your absence.
Whether you’re gone for a few days or several weeks, following these simple yet effective steps will help ensure your plants thrive while you’re away. Now you can relax and enjoy your time off—knowing your plant babies will be just fine until you return!