Plant basics2 min read

Plant care while you're away

Simple ways to keep plants watered for a weekend or a few weeks

How long can they go?

In winter, many houseplants can manage a week or two without water as long as the room stays cool, though never colder than they can stand. In summer, plants are more active and dry out much faster, so they need more help.

Cacti and succulents cope best. Plants in small pots, clay pots and sunny windows dry out first.

Before you go

A little preparation buys your plants extra days.

Water your plants well before you leave, and let the pots drain so none sit in water.
Move plants out of hot sun; a cooler spot slows drying.
Group plants together so they share moisture.
Pick off flowers and buds that would drop while you're gone, and check for pests.
In winter, keep the heat set above 55°F (13°C) while you're away.

Simple setups

These tricks keep water coming for a week or so.

Plastic tent: cover a watered plant with a roomy clear plastic bag and stand it in a pan of wet pebbles. It lasts 7 to 8 days.
Capillary matting: stand pots on a tray of wet matting, with one end trailing into a sink or container of water.
Wick: run a strip of matting or a cord from a water container into each pot.
Group and cover: cluster plants together under a clear plastic sheet.

Longer trips

For an extended trip, ask someone to check on your plants regularly. Leave simple notes on which plants need water and how much, and which ones, like cacti, should stay fairly dry. Self-watering pots help too, though not for cacti and succulents.

Outdoor containers

Pots outdoors dry fastest: in summer, mature container plants can need water every day. Move them into shade, add about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of mulch on top, or set up drip emitters on a timer. Try any new setup for a few days before a long trip.

Sources

General guidance, not a diagnosis. Written by PlantWiz in our own words from the sources above.