Sooner or later, the time will come, and you’ll need to leave your houseplants. From vacations, work trips, or other commitments, going away for a few days, a week, or longer is bound to happen, but don’t worry — your plants will be okay. Here’s what you need to know about houseplant care when you’re away.

Understand the Timeline

The length of time you plan to be away matters. A long weekend or anything less than a week is not likely a big deal. A week away is not a big deal for most houseplants. An extended time away or more than a week requires a bit more planning.

Choose the Houseplants to Fit Your Lifestyle

If you routinely travel, especially for extended periods, consider getting low-maintenance houseplants. Any variety of succulents, like ZZ Plants, Snake Plants, Cacti, or Kalanchoe, will tolerate being left alone for a while. 

Succulents store water in their foliage or rhizomes. Their water store ensures they can naturally go for extended periods without water and require minimal houseplant care. Most succulents need water every two to four weeks during the spring and summer and every four to six weeks for the rest of the year. This means they can easily survive if you’re out of town. Even if you take an extended trip, depending on the time of year and the last time you watered the plant, a mature succulent may not need water for the entire time you’re gone. 

Medium-care houseplants, like Pothos, Monstera, and Scindapsus, need water more often. Everything should be fine if you’re out of town for a long weekend or up to a week. Try to time things so you water them in the days before you depart so the plants will be fully hydrated when you say goodbye and ready for a drink when you return. Most plants will bounce back if you are a day or two late with water, so don’t stress if your plants appear too dry when you return.

Hydrospikes are an option to keep plants watered if you plan to be away for a significant amount of time. Avoid using an automatic drip device with succulents, but non-succulent plants may appreciate the moisture.

High-maintenance houseplants, like Prayer Plants and most ferns, are good for homebodies who rarely travel. A few days away is not an issue, but thirsty or needy plants may need a caregiver while you’re away.

Short-Term Houseplant Care Plan

Group plants together if you plan to be away for a week or less. Plants that need average to increased humidity do best when grouped because they create something similar to a microclimate. This microclimate increases the dampness in the immediate area. The extra dampness is not enough to support plants that crave high humidity but enough to assist during your brief absence. 

Group plants in a spot that receives medium sunlight. Plants that need bright, indirect sunlight can handle medium sunlight for a week. Select a place that works for your plants, but also be mindful of home security, especially if you are on the first floor. You’ll need to leave curtains or blinds open to ensure the plants receive sunlight, but this also means people will have clear sightlines into your home. A grow light on a timer is another option if you intend to close the curtains while away.

Lastly, the ideal spot for houseplants is away from vents. The plants need to be at a comfortable temperature, but temperature swings, hot or cold, can negatively impact them.

Long-Term Houseplant Care Plan

You may need reinforcements if you plan to be away for a long time, like a week or more. A trusted neighbor, relative, or friend who can check on the plants and water as needed will be best.

• Write out directions for each plant or cluster of houseplants. Depending on what is easiest, you can write them out long hand, put the instructions in a Google Doc, or leave sticky notes near the plants. Individual notes may be the best choice if you have plants requiring different levels of care.
• Have a walk-through before you leave to explain the instructions. You wrote the instructions so they make sense to you, but make sure the person who has to follow the instructions understands what you’re explaining.
• Plan a video chat to check in on your plants, especially if you are away for an extended period or have challenging houseplants. Arrange to have a call with your plant caregiver while they are at your house so they can give you a status update and ask questions as needed.

Bon Voyage

Leaving your plants can be nerve-wracking, but create a plan, and everything will work out. Simply grouping things together is often enough for short trips, but plan accordingly for a long journey.