How to Keep Apartment Plants Alive While Traveling

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Leaving your plants behind while you travel can feel like abandoning a pet. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a two-week vacation, proper preparation ensures your apartment plants remain healthy and happy in your absence. This guide offers practical, effective strategies for keeping your indoor plants alive while you’re away—without needing to rely on a plant-sitter.

Know Your Plants’ Needs Before You Leave

Each plant has different requirements. Some need daily misting or bright indirect sunlight, while others can go for weeks without attention. Before setting up any care routine for your time away, take note of the following for each plant:

  • Watering frequency
  • Light requirements
  • Humidity preferences
  • Temperature tolerance

Group your plants by similar needs to make pre-travel care easier and more efficient.

Deep Watering Right Before Departure

One of the simplest ways to prepare is to give all your plants a thorough watering a day or two before you leave. Here’s how:

  • Water deeply until you see water draining out of the pot’s holes.
  • Let the soil drain completely—you don’t want standing water in the saucers.
  • Avoid watering too early, as it might dry out before you’re gone.

This works well for most indoor plants, especially low-maintenance varieties like pothos, snake plant, or ZZ plant.

Move Plants Away from Direct Sunlight

If you’re leaving for more than a few days, relocate sun-loving plants a bit away from windows. While they love sunlight, direct exposure without daily monitoring can dry them out quickly. By reducing their light exposure slightly, their water needs decrease too.

For low-light plants, consider placing them in cooler, shadier spots in the apartment to minimize stress and water evaporation.

Create DIY Self-Watering Systems

For longer trips, try these easy and effective DIY solutions:

1. Water Wicking System

  • Place a container of water (like a jar or bowl) near your plant.
  • Use cotton string or shoelaces as wicks.
  • Insert one end in the water and the other about two inches deep into the plant’s soil.
    Water will travel up the wick and keep the soil moist.

2. Plastic Bottle Drip

  • Fill a plastic bottle with water and puncture small holes in the cap.
  • Flip it upside down and insert it into the soil.
    As the soil dries, water slowly drips from the bottle into the pot.

3. Glass Bottle Reservoir

If you have a wine bottle or long-necked bottle, fill it with water and quickly flip it into the soil. The neck should be deep enough to hold water back until needed.

Use Humidity Tricks

Increasing humidity can keep your plants from drying out, especially if you’re leaving them indoors during warm months.

  • Group plants together to create a microclimate.
  • Place water-filled trays near the plant or below the pots (using pebbles to avoid root rot).
  • Close doors/windows to limit airflow that dries out the air.

Choose the Right Plant Placement

Place your plants in rooms that maintain a stable temperature. Avoid drafty windows, spots near radiators, or areas that may become too cold or hot while you’re away.

If you use blinds or curtains, leave them slightly open so plants can get indirect sunlight. Too much shade can be just as harmful as too much light.

Consider Plant Covers

For short trips, covering your plants with a clear plastic bag (without touching the leaves) can create a mini-greenhouse effect. This maintains moisture and reduces evaporation.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Insert stakes into the pot to hold the bag away from the leaves.
  • Mist the inside of the bag lightly.
  • Close the bag loosely around the pot’s base.
  • Keep the setup in indirect light.

Do not use this method in full sun—it will overheat the plant.

Ask a Neighbor or Friend (When Possible)

Even if you’ve set up systems, having someone check in can be helpful—especially for longer trips. Leave clear instructions and group your plants in one spot to make it easier for your helper.

If no one is available, at least let someone know you’re away and there are plants in the apartment, just in case of emergency access.

Prioritize Hardy Plants

If you travel often, consider investing in plants known for surviving neglect, such as:

  • ZZ Plant
  • Snake Plant
  • Jade Plant
  • Pothos
  • Cast Iron Plant

These plants are naturally drought-tolerant and can handle a couple of weeks without much care.

What to Do When You Return

Once back, do the following:

  1. Check moisture levels: Use your finger or a moisture meter to assess the soil.
  2. Don’t overcompensate: Avoid drenching your plants if they look a little dry. Resume normal watering routines.
  3. Trim dead leaves: Prune any yellow or brown leaves to encourage new growth.
  4. Inspect for pests: Look out for fungus gnats, spider mites, or mold from excess moisture.

Final Thought: Travel with Peace of Mind

Taking a trip doesn’t mean your indoor jungle has to suffer. With a little planning, clever setups, and an understanding of your plants’ needs, you can leave your apartment with confidence. The key is preparation—watering, adjusting environments, and setting up low-tech care systems can all work together to keep your plants happy and thriving until you return.

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