Tips for Taking Care of Plants Before Leaving on Vacation

Whether you’re going on a sun-soaked long weekend by the beach or jetting off for an entire month abroad, we’ve got exclusive insights to help you care for plants while you’re on vacation and ensure they thrive in your absence.

With just a small investment of time, you can set the stage for your plants’ well-being, allowing you to shift your focus to essential matters such as choosing the right sunscreen and immersing yourself in a captivating book!

Tips to Keep Plants Alive While on Vacation

If you want to keep plants alive while away, we’ve got you covered. Our tips will guarantee your plants don’t die without your presence. Check them out below:

Maintain moisture

If you’re going to be gone for a week or less, water your plants well before leaving. Just make sure to water the ones with dry soil. Let the extra water drain out so the soil is damp but not soaking. This keeps pests away and prevents root rot. Remember, only do this for plants that need weekly watering. Tough plants, like succulents, can go without water for a week or two. In winter, when plants slow down, some don’t need water at all. The main point is that how long plants can survive without water depends on the type of plant you’re caring for!

If you’re going to be away for over a week, here are some simple ways to get your plants ready. Use one or mix them up, depending on your trip length, plant type, and season. Think about how often you water normally. Don’t drown your plants before you leave since you won’t be around to check on them!

• Sprinkle rocks, mulch, or wood chips on your plant’s soil to keep it moist. Even damp newspaper can work to make the soil stay wet for a longer time.
• Water your plant well, then cover it with a clear plastic bag like a mini greenhouse. Cut slits for air, and use sticks to lift the bag off the leaves. Plants need to breathe, too!
• Fill a shallow tray with rocks and water, then place your planter on top. This boosts humidity without drowning your plant.
• Move humidity-loving plants, like ferns, to your bathroom or a small room with a window for natural light.
• Group them together to keep moisture levels up.
• Make a DIY self-watering system with capillary wicks or empty bottles. Stick one end of the wick in water and the other in your plant’s soil. For bottles, fill them with water, puncture the top, and bury it upside down in the soil.
• Enlist a friend for longer trips. Give clear care instructions or a rundown of your routine. Feel free to ask for plant updates and show your gratitude with a souvenir or a new plant when you return!

Adjust lighting and temperature

The more sunlight your plant gets, the thirstier it becomes. It’s because of transpiration, a process where plants use more water, and it happens faster with more sunlight. To keep your plants from drying up while you’re away, shift them a bit farther from the light source. Placing them in the middle of the room slows down the drying process. When you’re back, move them to their usual spot. If moving is a hassle, just pull a sheer curtain over the window.

If your plants weren’t getting much light due to blocked windows or the season, you might keep them put. Check how often you water—if it’s weekly, consider moving them for longer trips. If it’s every other week, they might be fine where they are. Keep in mind that, whether you’re home or away, don’t let AC or heaters blow on your plants. While comfy for you, they suck up the humidity tropical plants love.

Don’t fertilize your plants

If you’re one to give your indoor green friends a nutrient boost with fertilizer now and then, it’s a good idea to pause this practice before and during your time away. Abstain from fertilizing your houseplants in the weeks leading up to your departure. The rationale behind this is to encourage your plants to adopt a leisurely growth pace in your absence. By slowing down their growth, your plants can conserve precious energy and water resources.

This strategy ensures that your plants don’t undergo rapid growth spurts during your absence, which might lead to increased water consumption and energy expenditure. By promoting a more subdued growth pattern, you’re helping your plants adapt to a lower maintenance mode, making it easier for them to withstand the period when you’re not there to tend to their needs. When you return, you can resume your fertilizer routine to support their healthy development and vitality. This thoughtful approach ensures your houseplants not only survive but thrive, even in your absence.

Light pruning helps

Besides cutting away any leaves that are dead or not looking so great, take a moment to trim off buds and flowers too. These blooming parts tend to need more water to stay in good shape.

By removing these buds and flowers, you’re helping your plant save energy and water. It’s like telling your plant, “Hey, let’s take it easy for a while.” This way, when you’re away, your plant won’t be stressed trying to keep up with the water demands of budding flowers. Instead, it can focus on staying healthy with the water it has. So, give your plant a little haircut before you leave, and it’ll thank you for the vacation-ready makeover!

Ensure Your Plants are Alive While on Vacation

Get ready to jet off worry-free! Whether it’s a quick beach getaway or an extended vacation, these simple plant care tips ensure your leafy pals stay happy. Water wisely by preparing before you leave, adjusting lighting, and considering your plant’s water needs. Keep things low-maintenance by skipping fertilizer, and give your plants a trim for an easy-breezy vacation makeover. Follow these steps, and your plants will be thriving when you return. Bon voyage!