My love for travel was one of the biggest hold ups when my passion for house plants grew. My husband and I travel for 10-15 days at a time a few times a year! And I had assumed that most of my plants wouldn’t survive. In total honesty a few of them didn’t the first time, but less the next time, and eventually I got it down to a science. I can happily report that on my last 14 day trip I returned to all happy and thriving plants! Below I talk about the things that I started doing that made it possible.

So let’s get into these tips for house plants when traveling for a week or more!

Tips For House Plants When Traveling For A Week +

What to do with house plants when traveling:

1. Watering Schedule: Before leaving, water your plants thoroughly to ensure they have enough moisture to last while you’re gone. Consider using self-watering systems or moisture-retaining soil to help prolong watering intervals. You don’t want to risk a light watering not being enough so really maintain a solid watering schedule leading up to the trip.
2. Group Plants Together: Grouping your plants together can create a microclimate with higher humidity, reducing moisture loss through transpiration. This can be especially helpful for tropical plants or those that prefer humid conditions. Personally I move similar plants to the same shelves and it does help them especially if you put them in the specific light situation that they thrive on!
3. Move Plants Away from Direct Sunlight: Position your plants away from windows or areas with direct sunlight to prevent them from drying out too quickly. Indirect light is generally better for most plants, especially during periods of reduced watering. Think about yourself- when you spend a day in the sun compared to inside you are going to be thirstier. And your plants feel that too!
4. Use Plant Saucers or Trays: Place your pots on top of plant saucers or trays filled with water to create a reservoir of moisture that plants can draw from as needed. This method can help maintain humidity levels around the plants. If you need more space for water try getting plastic saucers from amazon- they are so affordable and basically allow your plants to self bottom water.
5. Cover Soil with Mulch: Covering the soil surface with a layer of mulch, such as sphagnum moss or coconut coir, can help retain moisture and slow down evaporation. This can be particularly beneficial for plants in terracotta pots, which tend to dry out more quickly.
6. Consider Self-Watering Systems: Invest in self-watering systems or DIY solutions like water wicking to provide a consistent supply of moisture to your plants while you’re away. These systems can help regulate soil moisture levels and prevent overwatering or underwatering.
7. Prune and Remove Dead Leaves: Before leaving, prune any dead or yellowing leaves and remove any debris from the soil surface. This will help reduce the risk of pests and diseases and improve air circulation around the plants.
8. Ask a Friend or Neighbor for Help: If possible, enlist the help of a friend, neighbor, or professional plant sitter to check on your plants periodically while you’re away. They can water them if needed and address any issues that may arise in your absence. Personally I don’t have anyone near enough to help with this but if you do just ask! I would gladly do it for any friend, relative, or neighbor that asked!

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your houseplants stay healthy and happy while you enjoy your travels.

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