“Life will never grow dull so long as you joyously greet every obstacle as an opportunity.”
-Newton Newkirk
This post shows you how to water indoor plants on vacation!
Let’s talk about how to water your indoor plants – on vacation!
Leaving my plants behind when I travel always tugs on my heartstrings a little. I know they will be fine, at least that’s what I tell myself, but I still feel so guilty before I walk out the door.
The thought of returning home to crispy leaves or wilted stems is enough to make you second-guess your vacation plans. If you have friends or family that can help, that would be ideal, but no worries!
But here’s a little secret. Many plants enjoy a little neglect. In their natural environments, they don’t get watered on a perfect schedule and some even thrive with a dry spell.
The trick is knowing how to prepare them properly before you leave.
With my love of plants and some trial and error, I’ve finally discovered some of the best indoor watering methods that actually work!
Why Your Plants Will (Probably) Be Okay
If you’re going away for a week or even up to two, you don’t need to panic. Many houseplants are more resilient than we give them credit for.
In fact, some plants, like succulents and snake plants, prefer to dry out completely between waterings. Even thirstier plants can handle some time without attention if we set them up for success.
Here’s a few things I’ve learned about keeping plants alive while traveling:
- Most plants can survive without water for at least a week. A deep watering before you leave can hold them over longer than you think.
- Humidity is your best friend. Creating a slightly more humid environment can slow down evaporation and keep soil moist for longer.
- Be proactive. Simple tricks like grouping plants and/or using self-watering methods make a difference.
How to Water Indoor Plants On Vacation
1. The Deep Watering Trick
Before I leave for vacation, I make sure to give my plants one last, really good drink. This isn’t just a quick splash—it’s a slow, deep watering that saturates the soil.
How to execute seamlessly:
- Water each plant thoroughly until you see water draining out of the bottom of the pot. This ensures the roots have absorbed as much as possible.
- Do this the night before you leave so the soil has time to absorb the moisture without being overly wet when you go.
Bonus tip: If you’re leaving for more than a week, try bottom-watering by placing pots in a shallow tray of water for an hour. This helps the soil absorb moisture more evenly.
2. The Plastic Bottle Watering Hack
This is one of my favorite low-effort tricks. It’s like setting up a tiny watering system for your plants!
How to execute seamlessly:
- Fill a plastic water bottle with water, poke a few small holes in the cap, and turn it upside down into the soil of your plant.
- The water will slowly drip out, keeping the soil moist without drowning the roots.
Bonus tip: If you have larger plants, use a wine bottle instead—it holds more water and lasts longer!
3. The Pebble Tray Humidity Booster
Since many plants struggle more with dry air than actual lack of water, I like to create a little humidity boost to keep them happy.
How to execute seamlessly:
- Grab a shallow tray (like a baking sheet or plant saucer) and fill it with pebbles and water.
- Place your plants on top, making sure their pots aren’t submerged. As the water evaporates, it creates a humid microclimate around them.
Bonus tip: Grouping your plants together in one area of your home can also help maintain moisture levels!
4. The DIY Wicking System
If you have a plant that needs consistent moisture, this self-watering trick is a lifesaver. It’s like giving your plants their own little water IV drip.
How to execute seamlessly:
- Take a long piece of cotton string or yarn and place one end in a bowl of water.
- Bury the other end a few inches into the soil of your plant. The string will slowly draw water from the bowl into the soil, keeping it damp.
Bonus tip: This method works best for smaller or medium-sized plants. Make sure the water source is higher than the pot so gravity helps pull the moisture down!
5. The Shower Hydration Method
If I’m really short on time before leaving, I like to give my plants a spa day by setting them up in the bathroom.
How to execute seamlessly:
- Right before you leave, place your plants in the bathtub or shower and give them a gentle, lukewarm rinse. This cleans their leaves and provides deep hydration.
- Leave them in the bathroom with the door closed—since bathrooms naturally trap humidity, your plants will stay hydrated longer.
Bonus tip: This method works best for tropical plants that love moisture, like ferns, calatheas, and pothos! Avoid doing this with succulents or cacti.
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This Post Has Shown How to Water Indoor Plants Without Making a Mess
I hope this article has shown you some creative and easy ways to water your indoor plants without when you’re on vacation!
Bringing nature indoors is more popular than ever and with that, comes new creative ways to make our lives easier.
