Going Out of Town? Don’t Leave Your Plants Hanging

Going on vacation should not end with you returning to wilted leaves and completely dry soil.

Fortunately, most houseplants can handle a short absence with a little preparation. The key is understanding what each plant needs – not giving everything an extra gallon of water on your way out the door.

Start with a plant check
Not every plant needs the same vacation plan.

Succulents and snake plants generally tolerate dry soil better than ferns, calatheas and other moisture-loving varieties. Group your plants based on how quickly their soil dries so you are not treating every pot the same way.

Check the soil before watering. If it still feels moist, adding more water before leaving may do more harm than good.

Water thoroughly – then let everything drain
For plants that need water, give them a thorough drink a day or two before your trip. Allow excess water to drain completely before returning the plants to decorative pots or trays.

Avoid leaving plants in standing water unless you know that method is appropriate for the specific variety.

More water does not necessarily mean your plant can go longer without care – sometimes it simply creates overly wet soil.

Move plants away from direct sunlight
Bright summer sunlight can cause soil to dry more quickly.

Move vulnerable plants a few feet away from windows that receive strong, direct sunlight. Do not place them in a completely dark room – the goal is to reduce the intensity of the light without removing it altogether.

Group plants with similar needs
Placing plants together can help create a slightly more humid environment around them. It also makes things easier if a friend or neighbor will be checking on them.

Group plants with similar watering needs and leave clear instructions. “Give these two half a cup of water on Wednesday” is much more helpful than “Please keep my plants alive.”

Test your watering system before the trip
Wicking systems, watering globes and self-watering planters can be helpful during longer trips, but do not try one for the first time on departure day.

Test your chosen method at least a week before leaving. This gives you time to see how quickly the water moves and whether the soil becomes too wet or stays too dry.

Your vacation should not double as an unsupervised experiment for your pothos.

Skip last-minute repotting and fertilizing
Repotting can temporarily stress a plant, while fertilizer can encourage new growth that may require additional water.

Complete major plant care well before your trip or wait until you return. Right before vacation, your goal should be consistency – not transformation.

Ask for help with longer trips
If you will be gone for more than a week or have particularly sensitive plants, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check on them.

Move the plants to one accessible area, label anything with unusual needs and provide a measuring cup. Specific instructions can help prevent both underwatering and overly enthusiastic watering.

With a little preparation, you can leave town without worrying about what you will find when you return.

And if your growing plant collection could use better natural light or a little more room, browse RPM Living communities. Your future monstera may appreciate the upgrade.