Short answer
How long are you going for
The right setup depends almost entirely on how long the plants will be alone, and on the season. The RHS says most houseplants will tolerate a few days' absence without suffering, but absences of more than a week call for some extra measures.
| Time away | What usually works |
|---|---|
| A few days | Thorough watering before you go, plants moved out of strong sun |
| About one to two weeks | A reservoir system: wicks, capillary matting, or clear covers for small plants |
| Longer than two weeks | A person who can check and water |
Winter is easier than summer. The RHS says that in winter houseplants can be left for a week or two with no attention, as long as the room does not drop below the minimum temperature they tolerate.
Before you leave, whatever the length
Water thoroughly before you go. Water until it drains from the bottom, then let the pot drain completely and empty the saucer. The RHS stresses the compost should not be left waterlogged. A plant sitting in a full saucer for a week is at risk of rot.
Move plants out of bright light. The RHS suggests moving plants to a cooler room or away from a bright window, which slows how fast they dry out. A spot with bright, indirect light, a little back from the window, is a reasonable compromise for most foliage plants.
Keep them away from cold glass in winter. The RHS advises moving plants away from windows, where it can get cold, before a winter trip.
Group plants together. Plants grouped together are easier for a helper to deal with, and all of the reservoir methods below are simpler with plants in one place.
Check the soil isn't bone dry already. If a pot has dried out hard, water may run straight through it. Clemson Extension suggests watering twice, half an hour apart, or soaking the pot in a sink until the surface is moist, then draining it fully.
Plant Watering Reminder & Care
Reminds you to water each plant on its own schedule and keeps a care log for every plant.
Get it on Google PlayPlant Care keeps each plant's reminders running while you are away, so when you get back you can see which plants are due and check those first. If someone is watering for you, the plant list and the home-screen widget, which shows days until each plant is due, make it easy to write out exactly which plants need a check and when.
A few days away
For short absences, especially in summer, the RHS says a thorough watering before going away may be enough. Combine that with moving plants out of direct sun and most healthy houseplants will be fine for a long weekend.
One to two weeks
This is where you need a water supply the plants can draw on. The RHS describes several options.
Wick method, for large single pots. Fill a large container with water. Push one end of a strip of capillary matting into the pot's compost and put the other end in the water. The plant draws water up the wick as the compost dries. Tuck the wick in well, because the RHS notes wicks can slip out of pots.
Capillary matting, for groups of small pots. Lay a sheet of capillary matting on a draining board or beside the bath, and drape one end into the filled sink or bath. Stand the plants on the wet mat and press them down a little so the compost touches it. The RHS notes two catches. This may not work with pots that have broken crocks in the bottom, and clay pots need a thorough watering first so they start drawing water from the mat.
Clear covers or bags, for short trips. Put a clear cover or a clear plastic bag over the plant to hold moisture in. Water vapour collects and goes back to the plant. Keep the bag off the leaves by supporting it with canes. The RHS recommends this for short-term absences only, and suggests reusing a bag you already have.
The University of Illinois Extension describes a version of this that combines the bag with a tray. Cover the plant with a clear plastic bag large enough to hold it, then set the covered plant in a shallow pan with pebbles and some water. Illinois says this should be enough for seven to eight days.
What can go wrong. The RHS lists the common failures. Reservoirs can run dry if they are too small. Wicks can slip out. Waterlogging can happen if you overestimate a plant's needs, which can lead to rot. Try your setup for a day or two before the trip if you can, so you can see it working.
Self-watering pots have a built-in reservoir, but the RHS describes them as a long-term growing method, not a holiday fix. It advises against repotting purely for a short absence.
Longer than two weeks
For trips longer than a couple of weeks, the RHS says it may be preferable to arrange for a trusted neighbour, friend or relative to water. Illinois gives the same advice for extended vacations.
Make it easy for them:
- Write a short list, one line per plant: where it is, how to check it, roughly how often.
- Tell them to check before watering. Show them the finger test. Overwatering by a well-meaning helper is a common way to come home to a sick plant. The schedule or check the soil guide explains the tests in plain terms.
- Say which plants to leave alone. Succulents and cacti may need nothing at all.
- Leave saucers empty and ask them to tip out any water that collects after watering.
Succulents and cacti are the exception
The RHS notes that all houseplants benefit from holiday watering measures except cacti and succulents, which can go much longer without water. Water them normally before you leave if their soil is dry, then leave them in their usual bright spot. Do not put them on capillary matting or in sealed bags, which keep them far wetter than they like. In winter many need little or no water anyway, as the RHS growing guide explains. See how often to water succulents.
When you get back
Check every plant's soil before watering, rather than watering everything at once. Plants on matting or under bags may still be moist. Plants that were left with only a pre-trip watering may be dry. Empty any reservoirs, take off covers, and move plants back to their usual spots.
