Planning a summer getaway? Great! But what about your precious tropical houseplants? Don’t worry—they don’t have to suffer while you’re sipping margaritas on the beach. With a little planning and the right care strategies, your leafy friends will be happy and healthy when you return home.
Here’s how to keep your indoor tropical plants thriving while you're away:
1. Water Strategically Before You Leave
Tropical plants typically like their soil to stay slightly moist, but not soggy. Give your plants a thorough watering the day before you head out, making sure excess water drains completely. Avoid watering too early, as the soil may dry out before you leave.
For longer trips (7–14 days), consider using:
- Self-watering spikes or globes
- A DIY water wick (just a jar of water and a cotton rope!)
- Grouping plants together to create a microclimate and reduce evaporation
2. Move Plants Away from Harsh Sun
Even sun-loving tropicals can dry out faster in intense summer light. Move your plants a few feet back from south or west facing windows, or draw sheer curtains to diffuse the light. This reduces stress and prevents scorching while you're away.
3. Boost Humidity Without a Humidifier
If you're turning off your AC (or if your home gets extra dry in the heat), your tropicals might miss their humidity fix. To help:
- Place plants on trays filled with pebbles and a bit of water
- Group plants close together to trap moisture
- Lightly mist them just before leaving (but avoid overdoing it!)
4. Hold Off on Fertilizing
Skip the fertilizer right before you leave. Fertilizing can encourage new growth, which demands more water and care—two things your plants won’t be getting in your absence. Wait until you return to feed your tropicals again.
5. Recruit a Plant-Sitter (If You Can!)
If you're going away for more than two weeks—or if you have finicky or rare plants—it’s worth asking a friend or neighbor to pop in once or twice. Leave simple instructions (and maybe a thank-you plant as a reward 😉).
6. Do a Pre-Trip Health Check
Trim dead leaves, check for pests, and remove anything that might rot while you’re gone. Clean plants are less likely to develop issues in your absence. If your plant is in a small pot that dries quickly, consider potting it up into a slightly larger one before your trip to give it a better chance of retaining moisture.
Bonus Tip: Give Them a Quick Check-Up When You Get Back
Once you're home, check for dry soil, yellowing leaves, or pests that may have snuck in during your absence. Remove any dead leaves, give them a good drink, and let them readjust slowly to their normal light and humidity.
Final Thoughts:
With just a bit of prep, your indoor tropicals can totally survive, and even thrive, while you take a break. After all, you deserve a vacation. And so do your plants (from your constant doting)!
