Start with how long you will be away
How much preparation you need depends mostly on trip length and the kind of plants you own.
- A weekend or up to about a week: Most common houseplants cope with a thorough watering beforehand and a little extra care with placement.
- Roughly one to three weeks: Moisture-loving plants such as ferns, calatheas and peace lilies may need help, whether from a plant-sitter or a slow-watering setup.
- Longer than that: A person checking in is the most dependable option.
Succulents, cacti, snake plants and ZZ plants are generally the most forgiving, because they store water. Plants with thin leaves or those that like consistently moist soil are the most at risk.
Prepare your plants before you leave
- Water thoroughly shortly before you go, letting excess drain away so the plants are not sitting in water. Avoid watering heavily to the point of soggy soil, which can lead to rot.
- Move plants out of strong direct sun. A bright spot with filtered light, such as a position back from the window or behind a sheer curtain, slows water loss. Do not move them into a dark room for long, since too little light causes its own problems.
- Group plants together if space allows. Grouped plants may hold a little more humidity around them.
- Skip fertilizer right before you leave, since feeding encourages growth that needs more water.
- Remove spent flowers and buds you do not need, which reduces the plant’s demand.
- Check for pests. An unnoticed problem can get worse over a couple of weeks.
- Try any new setup first. Test a watering method for a few days before your trip so you can see how fast it releases water.
Self-watering methods
No method is perfect, and each has drawbacks. Match the method to the plant and the length of your absence.
Bottle or spike watering
Fill a plastic bottle with water, make a few small holes in the cap, and push it into the soil upside down, or buy a ready-made watering spike or glass globe. Test it beforehand: some release water too quickly, and others hardly at all. Too much water at once can harm plants that prefer dry soil, so avoid this for succulents and cacti.
Wick watering
Place one end of a cotton cord or strip of absorbent fabric in the soil and the other in a container of water slightly lower than or level with the pot. Water travels along the wick to the soil. It works best for plants that like even moisture, and it needs a trial run to adjust.
Bathtub or tray method
Some people line a tub or sink with a towel, add a small amount of water, and set pots with drainage holes on top. Use only a shallow amount, since pots sitting in a lot of water for a long time can lead to root rot. This works best for a short trip and for plants that like moisture. Keep the area out of reach of pets and children, and make sure the plants are stable.
Capillary mats and self-watering pots
A self-watering pot with a reservoir, or a capillary mat connected to a water source, can suit plants that prefer steady moisture. Again, test them first.
Grow lights on a timer
If your plants rely on a grow light, a plug-in timer can keep a consistent schedule while you are away.
Using a plant-sitter
A friend, neighbour or professional is often the most reliable option, especially for trips of more than a week or two. Make it easy for them:
- Leave written notes listing each plant, how much water, and how often.
- Label plants that need different care, such as succulents that should be watered rarely.
- Tell them to check soil moisture instead of watering on autopilot.
- Leave your contact details and a vet number if you have pets.
If you have pets or young children at home, mention which plants can be harmful when chewed. Common houseplants such as pothos, philodendron, dieffenbachia and peace lily can be irritating or toxic. Ask the sitter to keep plants out of reach, and check a reliable source like the ASPCA list for pet-specific information.
Should you water plants every day in hot weather?
Not as a general rule. Even in very hot weather, most potted houseplants do better when you check the soil and water when needed rather than daily. If indoor temperatures could be very high while you are away, such as in a closed-up house during a heat wave, moving plants away from sunny windows and arranging for a sitter is safer than relying on an untested system.
Can plants stay in a car?
It is best not to leave plants in a parked car. Temperatures inside a closed car can climb well above outdoor temperatures, and plants can be damaged quickly, as can pets and children left inside. If you must transport plants, keep the trip short, avoid leaving them unattended, protect them from sun and cold, and make sure pots are secure. Check local rules if you are crossing borders, since some regions restrict plant transport.
For longer moves, wrap pots, support stems, and unpack soon after arrival.
When you get back
- Check soil moisture before watering, since some plants may be very dry and others may still be damp.
- Remove any yellow or crispy leaves.
- Look for pests.
- Return plants gradually to their usual spot.
- Restart fertilizer only once you see normal growth.
Winter trips can be harder on plants because of drafts and dry air. For more on seasonal care, see our winter houseplant care tips.
Frequently asked questions
How long can houseplants go without water? It varies a lot. Succulents may last weeks, while ferns and peace lilies may droop within days.
How do I make self-watering bottles for plants? Poke small holes in a bottle cap, fill the bottle, and push it upside down into the soil. Test it first so you know how quickly it empties.
Is it better to hire a plant-sitter? For trips longer than a week or two, or for thirsty plants, a person is usually more dependable than a device.