How to Keep Your Plants Alive While You’re on Vacation

You’ve booked your trip, packed your bags, and set your out-of-office message, but what about your plants? Whether you’re gone for a long weekend or a two-week escape, leaving your leafy friends behind can be stressful. The good news? With a little prep, your plants can thrive while you’re away.

Here’s your Runo Plants guide to keeping your houseplants healthy, hydrated, and happy while you’re on vacation.

1. Know Your Plants’ Needs

Before you head out, take stock of your collection.

Low-maintenance plants like ZZ Plants, Snake Plants, and Pothos can go 2–3 weeks without water.

Thirsty tropicals like Calatheas, Ferns, or Peace Lilies may need extra attention before you go.

Grouping plants by water needs helps you plan better and prevents over- or under-watering.

2. Water Deeply Before You Leave

A few days before your trip, give your plants a deep soak so the roots can absorb as much moisture as possible. Water until it drains from the bottom, then let them sit and drain completely. No one wants root rot while you’re gone!

Pro Tip: For plants in terracotta pots, consider watering twice in the days leading up to your trip. Clay pots dry out faster than plastic or ceramic ones.

Use the “Water Wick” Trick

Create a simple self-watering system using cotton string or yarn.

Here’s how:

Fill a bowl or jar with water and place it slightly higher than your plant pot.

Bury one end of the string a few inches into the soil.

Place the other end in the bowl of water.

The wick will slowly draw water into the soil, keeping your plant hydrated for days!

4. Move Plants Out of Direct Sunlight

Before you leave, relocate your plants to a spot with bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can dry them out faster, especially if no one’s around to water them.

A shaded corner or a north-facing window is ideal for most houseplants while you’re away.

Create a Mini Greenhouse

For humidity-loving plants like Anthuriums, Alocasias, or Ferns, you can make a DIY greenhouse:

Place your plants together on a tray with pebbles and water.

Cover them loosely with a clear plastic bag or plastic wrap (avoid touching the leaves).

This creates a mini-humid environment that keeps moisture in, and is perfect for tropicals that crave consistency.

6. Ask a Plant-Sitter (or Neighbor)

If you’ll be away for more than two weeks, ask a friend or neighbor to stop by once or twice. Leave simple instructions, like which plants need more water and which should be left alone.

You can even label your pots with cute sticky notes or tags. (Runo tip: turn it into a plant-swap favor!Offer to watch their plants next time!)

7. Tidy Up Before You Go

Remove yellowing leaves, dead stems, or old flowers. Healthy, trimmed plants use less energy and water while you’re away, meaning they’re more likely to look just as lush when you return.

Leaving your plants behind doesn’t have to mean coming home to wilted leaves. With the right prep, including deep watering, indirect light, and a few clever hacks, your indoor jungle will stay thriving while you enjoy your getaway.