Going on vacation but worried about your indoor plants? 🌿 Whether you’ll be away for a few days or several weeks, your plants still need water, light, and care to stay healthy.
The good news is that with a few simple tricks, DIY watering systems, and proper planning, your plants can survive (and even thrive) while you’re gone!
In this guide, you’ll learn how to keep your indoor plants alive while traveling, including self-watering techniques, the best plant-care strategies, and what to do when you return home.
1. How Long Can Indoor Plants Survive Without Water?
The survival time depends on the type of plant and the environment:
| Plant Type | How Long They Can Go Without Water |
|---|---|
| Succulents & Cacti | 2-4 weeks |
| Snake Plant, ZZ Plant | 2-3 weeks |
| Pothos, Philodendron | 1-2 weeks |
| Peace Lily, Ferns | 5-7 days |
| Herbs (Basil, Mint) | 3-5 days |
🌟 TIP: If you’ll be away for more than two weeks, set up a self-watering system!
2. How to Prepare Plants Before You Travel
2.1. Water Deeply Before Leaving
💧 Water your plants thoroughly the day before you leave.
✅ Make sure excess water drains out to avoid root rot.
🚫 DO NOT overwater right before leaving, as soggy soil can cause fungus issues.
2.2. Move Plants to a Shaded Area
🌞 Bright sun = faster water evaporation.
🌿 Place plants in indirect light or move them away from windows.
💡 If your plant needs light, use sheer curtains to diffuse harsh sunlight.
2.3. Remove Dead Leaves & Flowers
✅ Trim yellowing or dying leaves so plants focus energy on survival.
✅ Remove flowering blooms, as they use more water.
2.4. Group Plants Together
🌱 Placing plants close together creates a mini humidity zone.
💦 This helps retain moisture and slows down drying.
3. Best DIY Self-Watering Solutions
If you’ll be away for more than a week, try these easy watering methods:
3.1. Water Wicking System (Best for 1-2 Weeks)
🛠 What You Need:
✔ A large bowl of water
✔ Cotton rope or shoelaces
🔧 How to Set It Up:
1️⃣ Cut a piece of cotton rope long enough to reach the plant’s soil.
2️⃣ Place one end in the bowl of water and the other in the soil.
3️⃣ Water will slowly wick into the soil, keeping it moist.
✔ Best for: Pothos, Peace Lily, Ferns.
3.2. Plastic Bottle Drip System (Best for 1-2 Weeks)
🛠 What You Need:
✔ A plastic bottle (for large pots) or a wine bottle (for smaller plants).
🔧 How to Set It Up:
1️⃣ Fill the bottle with water.
2️⃣ Poke small holes in the bottle cap.
3️⃣ Turn the bottle upside down and push it into the soil.
4️⃣ Water will drip slowly, keeping soil moist.
✔ Best for: Philodendrons, Peace Lily, Monstera.
3.3. DIY Self-Watering Tray (Best for 1 Week)
🛠 What You Need:
✔ A shallow tray or baking dish
✔ Pebbles or small stones
🔧 How to Set It Up:
1️⃣ Fill the tray with small pebbles.
2️⃣ Add water until the bottom layer of pebbles is submerged.
3️⃣ Place potted plants on top of the pebbles (don’t let them sit in water).
4️⃣ The water will evaporate and provide humidity to the plants.
✔ Best for: Ferns, Calatheas, Alocasias.
3.4. Bathtub or Sink Method (Best for 1 Week)
🛠 What You Need:
✔ A bathtub or sink
✔ Towels or a rubber mat
🔧 How to Set It Up:
1️⃣ Lay a towel in the bathtub or sink to protect plant pots.
2️⃣ Add 1-2 inches of water to create a humid environment.
3️⃣ Place your plants inside the tub.
4️⃣ The soil will absorb water from the bottom up.
✔ Best for: Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, Peace Lilies.
4. Advanced Self-Watering Solutions
For longer trips (2+ weeks), consider these automated watering systems:
4.1. Self-Watering Pots
🌱 Have a built-in water reservoir that keeps soil moist for weeks.
✔ Great for frequent travelers.
4.2. Drip Irrigation System
💦 A small automatic irrigation system with a timer.
✔ Ideal for balcony or multiple indoor plants.
4.3. Ask a Friend to Help
🌿 Ask a neighbor, family member, or friend to check on your plants.
✔ Leave clear watering instructions to avoid overwatering.
5. What to Do When You Return from Vacation
🌿 Your plants may look a little sad, but don’t worry! Follow these steps:
✅ Check the soil – If it’s too dry, water slowly instead of flooding it.
✅ Trim any yellow or brown leaves – Remove damaged leaves to promote new growth.
✅ Mist tropical plants – Ferns, calatheas, and orchids may need extra humidity.
✅ Return plants to their normal spot – If you moved them away from light, reintroduce them gradually.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Overwatering Before Leaving – This can lead to root rot. Water 1 day before your trip, not just before leaving.
🚫 Leaving Plants in Direct Sunlight – Sun exposure dries out soil faster.
🚫 Forgetting to Test DIY Watering Systems – Always test self-watering setups before you leave!
🚫 Using Too Much Fertilizer Before a Trip – Extra nutrients can stress plants instead of helping them.
7. Final Thoughts
Taking care of your indoor plants while on vacation doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right watering techniques, plant placement, and DIY solutions, your plants can survive—and even thrive—while you’re away.
🌿 Ready for a stress-free trip? Set up a self-watering system today and enjoy your vacation without worrying about your plants!