How to Keep Your Indoor Plants Alive and Happy While You’re On Vacation

Leaving your beloved indoor plants behind while you go on vacation can be stressful, especially if you’re unsure whether they’ll survive your absence. The good news is that with the right preparation, you can keep your plants alive and thriving while you enjoy your trip. In this How to Keep Your Indoor Plants Alive and Happy While You’re On Vacation guide, we’ll explore expert-backed strategies to ensure your indoor plants remain healthy and hydrated, no matter how long you’re away.

Table of Contents

1. Watering Strategies to Prevent Drying Out

One of the biggest concerns when leaving plants unattended is keeping them adequately watered. Different plant types have different watering needs, so it’s essential to plan accordingly. Here are a few effective watering techniques:

Self-Watering Techniques

Use a Watering Globe – These handy tools slowly release water into the soil, ensuring steady moisture levels.
DIY Watering System – Fill a bottle with water, poke a small hole in the cap, and insert it upside down into the soil. The water will gradually seep out, keeping the soil moist.
Capillary Matting – Place your pots on a damp towel or absorbent mat that wicks water into the soil as needed.

Soil Moisture Retention Methods

Mulching – Adding a layer of mulch, like coconut coir or sphagnum moss, helps reduce evaporation and retains moisture in the soil.
Grouping Plants Together – Placing plants close together increases humidity levels and prevents excessive moisture loss.

Horticulture experts recommend testing these methods a few days before departure to ensure they work effectively for your plants.

2. Adjusting Light and Temperature for Minimal Stress

How to Keep Your Indoor Plants Alive and Happy While You’re On Vacation - Adjusting Light and Temperature for Minimal Stress — ©joaojesusdesign By Pexels

Proper light and temperature regulation can make a significant difference in how well your plants fare in your absence.

Optimizing Light Conditions

Move Plants Away from Direct Sunlight – Too much sun can dry out plants faster, so place them in indirect light.
Use Sheer Curtains – If your plants require sunlight, diffusing it with sheer curtains can prevent excessive drying.
Consider Grow Lights – If you’ll be away for an extended period, using a timer-based grow light can provide consistent illumination.

Regulating Temperature and Humidity

Keep the Room Cool – Plants lose water faster in high temperatures, so setting your thermostat between 65–75°F helps minimize stress.
Increase Humidity – Using a pebble tray with water beneath plant pots or placing bowls of water around the room can keep the air moist.
Use a Humidifier – For tropical plants that require high humidity, a small humidifier on a timer can maintain ideal conditions.

3. Setting Up an Automatic Watering System

For longer vacations, an automatic watering system can be a game-changer. Several options are available:

Drip Irrigation System – A slow-release irrigation system provides precise watering to multiple plants simultaneously.
Wicking System – Placing a water-filled container next to the plant and inserting a wick into the soil allows slow, consistent hydration.
Timer-Based Watering Devices – Smart watering devices can be programmed to deliver the right amount of water at set intervals.

According to gardening specialists, setting up these systems a week before departure ensures they function correctly and prevent over- or under-watering.

4. Pruning and Preparing Plants for Your Absence

Trimming your plants before leaving helps reduce their water consumption and keeps them healthy while you’re gone.

Pre-Vacation Pruning Checklist

Remove dead leaves and spent flowers – This prevents unnecessary energy expenditure and conserves water.
Cut back fast-growing plants – Pruning trailing or vining plants reduces their need for water.
Inspect for pests – Check under leaves and stems for signs of pests and treat them with organic insecticides if necessary.

Professional gardeners advise against heavy pruning right before leaving, as plants need time to recover from trimming.

5. Enlist Help from a Friend or Neighbor

If you’re going away for more than two weeks, asking someone to check on your plants can be the best solution.

Leave Clear Instructions – Provide details on watering schedules and any special plant care requirements.
Demonstrate Before Leaving – Show them exactly how you water each plant to avoid over- or under-watering.
Group Plants Together – Placing all plants in one area makes it easier for your plant sitter to manage them efficiently.

If no one is available, many professional plant care services offer temporary care for indoor plants.

6. Final Checks Before You Leave

Before you head out, run through this checklist to ensure everything is set up for your plants’ survival: ✔ Water your plants thoroughly a day before leaving.
✔ Set up your chosen watering system and test it.
✔ Adjust light exposure and move plants away from direct sunlight.
✔ Group plants together to create a mini greenhouse effect.
✔ Prune, clean leaves, and inspect for pests.
✔ Ensure room temperature and humidity levels are appropriate.
✔ Leave instructions if someone is checking in on your plants.