How to Keep Your Potted Plants Alive While You’re on Vacation
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- By Annelies
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Leave your potted plants worry-free during your vacation with a few smart steps. Water them well beforehand, keep them out of direct sunlight, group them to increase humidity, and use handy watering aids. If possible, ask someone to care for them and choose drought-tolerant plants for the long term. This way, your green oasis stays healthy and vibrant, even while you're away.
How to Keep Your Potted Plants Alive During Vacation: Tips for a Carefree, Green Welcome Home
Are you going on vacation soon but worried about your potted plants? Don’t panic! With a little preparation, they can easily survive a few weeks without care. Potted plants are fantastic: you can easily move them during heatwaves or cold spells, and they transform a bare balcony or terrace into a lush green oasis. But they do have a weakness: they dry out faster than garden plants and are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations. And that’s exactly when you want to be away.
Luckily, there are smart ways to prevent coming home to a dry, wilted plant corner. Below are practical tips for a carefree holiday and a healthy welcome home.
1. Right before you leave: what to do
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Give your plants a thorough watering. Make sure excess water drains well so roots don’t rot. A saucer under the pot helps retain water longer — ideal unless your plant dislikes wet feet.
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Group your pots in a sheltered, shady spot. Together, they lose less water.
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Lightly prune, for example flowering plants like surfinia, to reduce evaporation.
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Check for pests and diseased leaves and remove them to prevent spread.
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Make your own watering wick: a string or cloth that dips into a bucket of water and into the pot, providing slow moisture.
2. Move plants out of direct sunlight
Direct sun causes a lot of evaporation. Temporarily place plants where they get plenty of indirect light, like a north-facing window or under a parasol. This keeps plants cooler and reduces water needs.
3. Group plants to increase humidity
By placing plants together, they create a microclimate with higher humidity. Extra tip: put pots in a shallow tray with water and hydro pellets for constant moisture.
4. Smart watering aids
There are handy systems that automatically water your plants:
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Watering spikes or irrigation pins combined with a water bottle.
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Water wicks that draw water from a reservoir to the soil.
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Water gels or balls that slowly release moisture.
5. Ask for a plant sitter
Do neighbors, family, or friends want to help? Great! Give clear instructions:
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Water preferably in the morning or evening.
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Pour water on the soil, not on the leaves.
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Watch thirsty plants like petunias closely and be sparing with succulents.
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Don’t forget plants even after rain — soil at the bottom can still be dry.
Tip: Use our care labels for plants to make it easier for your sitter.
6. Choose drought-tolerant potted plants
Are you often away? Then choose plants that can handle some neglect. Top picks:
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Succulents (like echeveria and sedum)
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Delosperma and Portulaca
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Herbs like thyme and rosemary
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Exotic plants like agave, yucca, and palms
These plants love sun and give your terrace a Mediterranean vibe.
7. The right pot matters
The pot is as important as the plant:
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Small pots dry out faster; consider bigger pots or group small ones.
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Terracotta pots are porous and release moisture slowly — perfect for warm weather.
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Dark pots heat up faster; place them in shade or choose light colors.
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Repot at least a week before leaving so plants can adjust.
Check out our collection of large and heat-resistant pots.
In conclusion: leave prepared, come home to green
With good preparation, you won’t worry about your plants while away. Combine smart watering aids, the right spot, suitable plants, and maybe help from others — and your balcony or terrace stays in top shape.
After your return: boost your plants with our plant food for recovery and new growth.
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