How to water plants while away – 5 ways to keep your plants alive while you're on holiday

While many homeowners will be jetting off around the world this month, it's all too easy to forget about how our plants will fare while we're away. Knowing how to water plants while away on holiday will keep them growing strong until you're back.

Even the most unkillable houseplants can struggle after long periods without water, so it's important to make sure you have a plan in place while you're gone.

We've rounded up some top tips from plant experts on how to water plants while you're on holiday.

How to water plants while away

Our plants deserve TLC throughout the year, even when we’re sunbathing on a beach in another country. If you're wondering how to water plants while away on holiday, we've gathered the best guidance to help you see them through, whether they're indoors or in the garden.

What you'll need

1. DIY it

For holiday-goers on a budget, a DIY mini drip feeder is a popular option. 'Take a plastic bottle and make little holes all the way around the bottom third,' says Joshua Houston, gardening expert at Household Quotes. 'Then, dig a hole near the roots of the plant for the bottle to be placed in. Fill up your bottle and put it in the hole you have dug before securing it with soil.

'Water will be released slowly when the plant requires it, giving multiple days of water for when you are away. It’s also a great way to reuse plastic bottles and ensure that they aren’t just single-use.'

If you're looking for more of an ornamental drip feeder, there are various watering globes available to buy, like the Light Iridescent Rainbow Gradient Self-Watering System Spikes from Amazon.

2. Run them a bath

When it comes to houseplants, another effective method for those wondering how to water plants when on holiday is running them a shallow bath.

‘If you have a bathroom with natural light, it’s an idea to place the plants together in a bathtub or shower tray with the plug out and give them a good watering right before you leave the house,’ advises Suzie Woolley, plant expert at Serenata Flowers. ‘Allow the water to soak deeply into the soil for 10-15 seconds and leave them there to drain until you get back.’

You could even leave a shallow layer of water in the bath while you're gone to keep them topped up throughout the duration of your holiday.

3. Invest in an irrigation system

There's a lot of discussion around whether irrigation systems are worth it, but they're an effective option if you're wondering how to water plants while away.

Used in the garden, irrigation systems can take the worry out of watering. For even more advanced plant care, smart watering systems can decide how much water your plants need based on factors like the weather forecast.

'Automated systems save time and effort, allowing you to set schedules and water your garden even when you are not home,' says Nadezhda Yaneva, gardening expert at Fantastic Gardeners. 'These systems, such as drip irrigation or soaker hoses, provide consistent moisture directly to the plant roots, promoting even growth.'

4. Ask your neighbours

If you're nervous about leaving your watering systems to their own devices, you could ask a neighbour, friend or family member to keep your plants topped up while you're away.

'If you're away for an extended period, asking a neighbour or friend to check in on your garden can be invaluable,' says Alex Biggart, plant and flower expert at 123 Flowers. 'Provide clear instructions on watering needs and any specific care requirements.'

Plus, you'll have someone to keep an eye on your home for added security while you're away.

5. Don't leave houseplants outside

One solution that experts advise against is leaving your houseplants outside to fend for themselves, especially if they aren't used to outdoor conditions.

‘We would never recommend leaving your houseplants outdoors, even in the summer months when temperatures are slightly warmer and more consistent,’ says Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies. ‘Most tropical houseplants aren’t well-suited to survive in the outdoors conditions in the UK, especially when temperatures can drop quite drastically at night.’

FAQs

How do you water pots when on holiday?

Irrigation systems might be your best friend when it comes to watering pots while you're away. Self-watering plant pots are nifty solutions for keeping plants healthy, and they could even save you time when you're back home.

Another useful hack is placing pots in dishes filled with a couple of inches of water. While this might not last the entire duration of your holiday, it can supply the roots with water for a little longer than normal.

Do watering globes work?

Watering globes work a lot like DIY bottle feeders, gradually delivering water to plant roots when inserted into the soil. They're a great way to drip-water your plants while you're away, and with various shapes and colours available to buy, they make great pot decorations, too.

Now you know how to water plants when on holiday, you'll come back to a greener-looking garden and won't have lost any houseplants along the way.