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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Gynelle Leon

14 ways to keep your houseplants alive while you’re on holiday (and how to revive them when you get back)

A hand with a watering can watering indoor plants on a windowsill
Rooting for you: your absence need not mean game over for your houseplants. Photograph: ronstik/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Summer holidays are a joy for us, but not always such a thrill for our houseplants. Few things are worse than returning home to discover a horticultural graveyard. Plants can survive unsupervised during the winter, but heatwaves, a lack of ventilation, and no one around to water mean summer holidays are a recipe for disaster.

But fear not. A bit of planning and the right kit can make all the difference between a happy homecoming and a shrivelled mess. Whether you go full-tech or just trust in a good soak and a friend, there’s a holiday plant-care method for every budget and plant. Regardless of how long you’re going away for, here are some of the best tips and tricks to keep your houseplants alive, hydrated and happy in your absence.

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