Vacation Care for Houseplants: Short Trips & Long Absences

Don’t let vacation worry ruin your trip. With preparation, houseplants survive weeks unattended.

Short Trips (Under a Week)

1. Day before: remove dead material, soak thoroughly, drain saucers.
2. Group in bathtub on pebble trays or plastic covered with wet newspaper.
3. Cover with plastic (staked off foliage) to create a humid terrarium.
4. Keep in bright, indirect light—no direct sun.
5. Alternatively, use individual clear plastic bags with ventilation slits.
6. Winter trips: lower thermostat to 60–65°F (15–18°C); cooler temps reduce water needs.

Plants survive up to two weeks this way.

Long Trips (Over a Week)

• Hire a plant-sitter with written instructions (watering, fertilizing, light).
• Move outdoor containers to deep shade to reduce growth and water needs.
• Water deeply before leaving; remove saucers to prevent root rot.
• Trim unsightly foliage and spent flowers.

Clear instructions prevent well-meaning over/under-watering—the biggest risk to plants in your absence.