How To Keep Your Houseplants Alive When You're On Holiday
Summer is coming. You’ve probably got a few things on the calendar — a weekend away, a longer trip, or maybe just a few days offline.
But what about your houseplants?
Whether you’re away for 4 days or 4 weeks, the thought of returning home to droopy stems and crispy leaves can be… a little anxiety-inducing.
So, I thought I’d pull together a few tips to help your plants thrive (or at least survive) while you’re off enjoying yourself.
This isn’t a dramatic 40-step guide. It’s just what actually works — things I do myself, especially with 200+ plants in the house.
Let’s dive in:
1. Do a quick health check (a week before you leave)
The most common mistake is waiting until the night before your trip to start thinking about plant care.
Give yourself a few days' buffer.
One week out, take 10–15 minutes to check:
- Any pests under the leaves?
- Roots pushing out of drainage holes?
- Soil compacted or waterlogged?
- Anything that looks “off” or needs pruning?
Treating any issues before you go gives your plants the best chance of coping while you’re away.
2. Water normally — no more, no less
A lot of people overcompensate by soaking their plants right before they leave. This often causes more harm than good.
Stick to your usual routine.
If a plant needs water the day before you go, water it. If it doesn’t? Leave it be.
For context:
- Snake plants, ZZs, and succulents can go 2–3 weeks without water
- Most leafy tropicals are fine for 7–10 days
- Anything unusually thirsty might need extra prep (see below)
3. Adjust their environment
Before you leave, move your plants slightly back from bright windows or direct sun.
Why? Less light = less water loss.
You’re not trying to grow them while you’re away — you’re just helping them pause until you get back.
Keep them away from any air-con vents or heaters, which can dry things out fast. And partially close your blinds if it helps manage heat, just don’t block all the light.
4. Group plants together (but not for humidity)
You might’ve heard the idea of clustering plants to boost humidity. Honestly? It’s not that effective.
But grouping plants together can still be somewhat helpful:
- Easier to monitor when you return
- Looks tidier if someone’s checking in
- Reduces the risk of accidentally missing one when doing a quick check before you leave
Stack the ones you care about most near the best light, then fill in the gaps from there.
5. Use a low-effort self-watering setup
If you’ll be gone more than 10 days, or you just want peace of mind, here are a few things that work:
- Wicking system – Place a container of water next to your plant, run a cloth or shoelace from the container into the soil
- Watering spikes/globes – Terracotta ones are best; they release moisture slowly and reliably
- Bathtub – Fill your bathtub with about an inch of water and place 2/3 towels in to soak it up. Now place your particularly thirsty plants on top of the towels
Just make sure you test whatever method you use at least once before you go.
6. Ask someone you trust (if the trip is long)
If you’re away more than 2 weeks, consider asking a friend or neighbour to pop in once or twice.
Keep it simple:
- Leave a note with any special instructions
- Don’t over-explain or overwhelm them
- Only ask them to water the plants that actually need it
And maybe offer a plant as a thank-you if everything’s still alive when you return.
7. When you get back… be patient
Some plants might be droopy or dry when you return. That’s okay.
- Give them a good soak if the soil is dry
- Don’t panic and overwater if the leaves don’t perk up immediately
- Check the stem: green means it’s still alive
Sometimes it takes a few days for a plant to bounce back — don’t assume the worst right away.
Quick checklist before you head out:
✅ Health check one week before
✅ Water as needed (not all at once)
✅ Move plants out of direct sun
✅ Group them near good light
✅ Set up self-watering if needed
✅ Ask for help if gone 2+ weeks
✅ Don’t panic when you return
That’s it.
Your plants can manage while you’re away — especially with a little prep. And if something doesn’t survive? It’s not a failure. Every plant parent has had to start over at some point.
Enjoy your time off. Your plants will be just fine.
(Just don’t forget your passport)
