Holiday care for house plants

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Tuesday, 19 March 2019 at 10:01 am

Get practical advice on what to plant now in our monthly magazine. Take a look at our subscription offers now

Leave your house plants well cared for whilst you are away, with the help of advice from our guide.

Save

Most house plants will tolerate a week without water, while you're on holiday. But, if you're going away for two weeks, it's well worth making arrangements to keep them watered in your absence.

Find out how to keep your house plants healthy during the summer holidays, below.

Ask neighbours for help

Friends or neighbours might be happy to water your house plants when you're away. To make life easier for them, move house plants away from sunny window sills and out of hot conservatories to help prevent the soil drying out.

26658

Watering a house plant with a small watering can

Automatic irrigation

Capillary matting can work as an automatic watering system indoors. Cut a piece of matting so it covers the draining board and hangs down into the sink, then wet it thoroughly. Fill the sink with water, then stand your plants on the wet matting so they can absorb water through the bottom of their pots. Water the plants thoroughly first.

26659

Lifting a spider-plant and its pot out of a container

Choose drought-tolerant plants

If you’re likely to be away from home regularly, it’s worth choosing plants that tolerate neglect. Cacti and succulents are a good choice, as they're adapted to dry conditions. Mother-in-law’s-tongue, cycads, palms and anthuriums will also cope without water for two or three weeks. In general, plants in small pots dry out more quickly, so buy larger specimens. Alternatively, grow several small plants in a large decorative bowl, as this will retain water for longer.

26660

Small cacti in clay pots on an indoor table

Move house plants outside

Leaving house plants outdoors will expose them to the regular rain showers, typical of British summers. Place the plants in a shady spot, so they don’t scorch, but leave orchids and other particularly tender plants inside.

26661

Carrying a tray of house plants outdoors

Don't miss out this Winter

Enjoy expert advice on what to plant and grow this winter, and how to prepare your plot for the year ahead. Enjoy, 6 months for just £31.99

Subscribe now

Great gardening savings - straight to your inbox

Sign up to the BBC Gardeners’ World offers newsletter for exclusive deals, seasonal savings, and early access to special promotions.