Vacation Care for Houseplants: Keep Them Alive While You're Away

Heading out for a long weekend? Prep your plants with these steps:

• Soak them thoroughly a day before departure.
• Drain excess water from saucers.
• Group plants on pebble trays or double-pot them to raise humidity.
• Remove dead leaves and flower buds.
• In winter, lower the thermostat.

For Longer Absences (Up to 3 Weeks)

If you can't find a plant sitter, create temporary mini-greenhouses. Cover each plant or small group with clear plastic, using bamboo stakes or bent hangers to keep plastic off the foliage. Place them out of direct sunlight and lower the thermostat. These makeshift terrariums maintain humidity for up to three weeks.

Alternative method: Line your bathtub with plastic, cover with wet newspaper, set well-watered plants on top, and tent with plastic. This creates a high-humidity environment that sustains plants for weeks.

Moving instead? Learn how to safely transport houseplants to your new home.