How to Leave Houseplants Alone

Cactus can be left alone for long periods of time.

Houseplants don't like to be left alone on a regular basis, but occasionally it may be necessary. If you're planning a vacation and won't be around to water, you need to know how to prepare your plants for time alone. Most houseplants can survive one week alone with little extra care, provided you prepare them in advance. People taking longer vacations have several care options to ensure houseplants stay alive.

Things You'll Need

• Clear plastic bags
• Tape
• Cake pans
• Gravel
• Water
• Plastic wrap (optional)

Instructions

1. Move houseplants into an area where they will receive indirect light and be free from fluctuating temperatures. Do not leave houseplants in a drafty room or a room with a radiator in the winter months, since they may overheat or get cold damage. Bright sunlight will dehydrate plants.

2. Cover the top of each plant container with a clear plastic bag. Tape the bag to the outside of the container.

3. Place the plant into a cake pan filled with a layer of gravel. Add 1 inch of water to the cake pan. The plant will draw up the water; the plastic bag helps keep humidity and moisture near the plant. The University of Illinois says this method will keep houseplants watered for seven to eight days.

4. Place houseplants in the bathtub if you plan to be away for two weeks. Water the plants well until the soil becomes saturated, then cover the top of your bathtub with plastic wrap to create a giant temporary terrarium. The resulting moisture should be enough to keep your plants alive for two weeks.

5. Ask a friend or relative to water your plants while you're away. You'll need someone to receive your mail and perform other duties. Have this person monitor the water level in the cake pan, and add more water if you plan to be away longer. Or skip the plastic bag method and have your friend water your plants as needed every few days.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase a self-watering wick system if you plan to be away for a couple of weeks and prefer not to leave plants in the tub.

• Water cactus and other succulents well just before you leave, then leave them alone. These drought-tolerant plants can withstand several weeks without water if they are watered deeply at first.

References

• GardenLine: Plants Can Survive Your Holiday
• University of Illinois Extension: Caring for Houseplants