With spring break (and summer) just around the corner, you’re probably planning on taking a few longer trips than the usual weekend get-away. At least I am. So, it can be troubling to know what to do about your houseplants while you’re away. It’s easy to ship a pet off to a friend or relative for the week, but a home full of fussy plants? Not so much. Even if you can’t get a plant sitter, that doesn’t mean your plants won’t survive while you’re off enjoying your vacation. Just follow these pre-trip tips and your houseplants will do just fine without you.
Give your plants a thorough watering
We all know that consistently over-watering plants can have disastrous results. But doing so occasionally, like right before you leave for a week, will actually be advantageous. Don’t drown them, of course, and be sure to let them drain, but it’s fine to give them a thorough watering. If you’re short on time, any easy way to do this is to put them all in the bathtub and give them a good soak. Additional benefits to a one-time, all-plant shower is that water will have a proper place to drain besides their saucers or your floors.
Move your plants away from the sunlight
This may sound counterproductive, but your goal is to keep your houseplants alive without their normal watering schedule. If they remain in the same sunny spot as usual, you risk the soil drying up before you return home. This could prove disastrous, even for plants that enjoy bright light. (Have succulents? They’ll be fine even if you don’t pay them any pre-vacation attention.) Move all your plants to a more central location in your room so they don’t dry out while you’re away.
Stabilize the temperature in your home
It might be tempting to leave the thermostat off while you’re away, but it’s more beneficial for your plants (and your home) to keep it on. Particularly in states where temperatures can vary between high noon and night, your plants will appreciate a home with a more stable indoor climate. Make sure plants aren’t near drafty windows or air ducts, then pick a temperature. 65 degrees is a happy medium if you have both dry- and humid-climate plants.
There’s no need to spend your vacation worrying about your houseplants. Thankfully, they aren’t necessarily doomed to failure if you leave them alone for a week or two. If you come home to drooping leaves and dry soil, your plants will perk up after a good watering and a day in the sunlight. And, of course, if you’re still concerned about their wellbeing, you can always find a sitter! How have you kept your plants live during vacations? Do you bring some with you? I’d love to know!
XO,
Micah