☀️ Holidays & summer
🌿 Practical tips
✈️ In brief — before leaving
1–2 weeks: thorough watering + grouping away from sunny windows · 2–4 weeks: watering cones or absorbent wicks · 1 month+: entrust sensitive plants or keep only drought-resistant species · Indestructible: Zamioculcas, Sansevieria, Aloe vera
Going on vacation without worrying about your plants is possible — provided you prepare well for their absence and choose the right species. This guide covers steps to take before leaving, automatic watering solutions, and plants that survive best alone.
Depending on the length of your absence
Precautions vary greatly depending on whether you leave for a week or a month. First identify your absence duration to adapt your strategy.
Essential steps before leaving
- Water thoroughly the day before — not several days before, but the day before leaving. Let the water drain well before closing the door.
- Group plants together — by bringing them close to each other, they create a more humid microclimate through mutual transpiration. Place them away from windows in full sun.
- Keep away from heat sources — south- or west-facing windows, radiators left on, electronic devices. A plant in full sun behind a closed window can reach lethal temperatures in summer.
- Close shutters on the sun side — partially, not completely. Total darkness weakens plants over time. A half-closed shutter reduces heat and evaporation without depriving plants of light.
- Remove flowers and flower buds — on flowering plants, remove open flowers and buds. Flowering consumes a lot of energy and water — removing them before leaving reduces the plant's needs.
- Do not fertilize — fertilizer applied just before you leave stimulates growth and increases water needs. Wait until you return.
- Prepare an instruction sheet — if someone comes to water, be precise: which plant, how much water, how often. Vague instructions often lead to overwatering.
⚠️ The most common mistake: overwatering before leaving
Overwatering massively several days before leaving is useless — plants do not store water as reserves as commonly believed. Normal watering the day before leaving is sufficient. Overwatering creates water stagnation that promotes root rot during your absence.
Automatic watering solutions
Terracotta watering cones
The simplest and most reliable solution for 1 to 2 weeks. A terracotta cone filled with water is planted in the substrate and gradually releases water by capillarity. Effective, inexpensive, no installation required. Plan one cone per medium-sized pot.
The absorbent wick method
A cotton wick connects the plant substrate to a water container placed lower. The water rises by capillarity according to the plant’s needs. Autonomy: 1 to 3 weeks depending on the size of the container. Works very well for plants that like to stay slightly moist (Spathiphyllum, Calathea, ferns).
The drip system with timer
The most reliable solution for absences from 3 weeks to 2 months. A timer connected to a hose with individual drippers delivers a precise amount of water at a set frequency. Investment of 20 to 50 € to cover all your plants. Test the system a few days before leaving to adjust the flow rates.
The aquaglobule method
A glass bottle filled with water, turned upside down into the substrate. The water flows slowly according to the porosity of the substrate. Autonomy: 3 to 7 days — enough for short absences. Tip: a plastic bottle pierced with a small hole inside a cotton sock in the substrate works similarly.
💡 For absences longer than a month
If you leave for more than a month, sort your plants into two groups: the resistant ones (Zamioculcas, Sansevieria, Aloe vera, Ficus Elastica, Dracaena) that can stay alone with an automatic system, and the sensitive ones (Calathea, ferns, Spathiphyllum, Maranta) to entrust to someone. Also check the maintenance calendar to prepare your plants according to the season.
Plants that best withstand absences
If you often leave or go away for a long time, focus your collection on these species naturally resistant to drought. They do not suffer from absences and radically simplify your life.
The absolute champion. Its thick rhizomes store considerable water reserves — it can endure 2 months of total absence without visible damage. The ideal plant for frequent travelers.
See the Zamioculcas →
Its CAM metabolism allows it to close its stomata in the heat to limit evaporation. One of the most drought-resistant plants there is. Perfect for summer absences.
See the Sansevieria →
Succulent native to arid areas — Aloe vera stores water in its fleshy leaves. It can withstand months of drought. Needs good light — place it on a sunny windowsill before leaving.
See the Aloe vera →
Native to ultra-arid areas of Africa — it can go months without watering. The perfect plant if you travel frequently and for long periods. It literally needs nothing during your absence.
See the Cowboy Cactus →
Its large waxy leaves limit evaporation — it can go 2 to 3 weeks without watering if well placed away from direct sun. Important: do not move it just before leaving, the stress of moving adds to drought stress.
See the Ficus Elastica →
The Dracaena stores water in its woody trunk and tolerates absences of 2 to 4 weeks well. Its slow metabolism makes it a very water-efficient plant. Water well the day before leaving and let the soil dry gradually.
See the Dracaena →
Trailing succulent with small tubercles that store water — it can go 3 to 4 weeks without watering without any problem. Its small heart-shaped leaves resist drought much better than they seem. Ideal on a shelf during your absence.
See the Chain of hearts →
The Chlorophytum is tougher than it looks — its tuberous roots store some water. It can go 2 weeks without watering without much trouble. For longer absences, an absorbent wick is enough to keep it healthy.
See the Chlorophytum →
The Pothos tolerates 10 to 14 days without watering well — its leaves start to slightly droop but recover as soon as you water it upon return. For longer absences, place it in a darker spot to reduce evaporation.
See the Pothos →
The Pachira stores water in its braided trunk — a natural adaptation to dry seasons. It can go 2 to 3 weeks without watering without any problem. A good watering the day before leaving and it manages your standard summer absence on its own.
See the Pachira →Returning from vacation: what to do
Returning is as important as preparation. Your plants have gone through a stressful period — here’s how to help them recover.
First steps upon return
- Water gradually — not heavily all at once. After a long drought, roots need to rehydrate gradually. Water normally and wait 2 to 3 days before the next watering.
- Inspect the foliage — look for signs of pests (red spiders take advantage of dry and hot periods), yellow leaves, or soft stems. Consult the diagnosis guide if needed.
- Open shutters gradually — if you left the shutters closed, reopen them gradually over 2 to 3 days to avoid light shock.
- Wait 2 weeks before fertilizing — a stressed plant absorbs nutrients poorly. Let it stabilize before resuming fertilization. See the fertilizer and nutrition guide.
- Remove dead leaves — they consume energy and can promote mold. Cut them cleanly.
💡 A wilted plant is not necessarily lost
If you find a plant completely wilted upon return, don’t throw it away immediately. Water it normally and wait 24 to 48 hours — many plants fully recover after even prolonged drought, especially if the roots are still healthy. Pothos and Chlorophytum are particularly good at "reviving" after an absence.
Verdeia collection
Plants resistant to absences
Zamioculcas, Sansevieria, Aloe vera, Dracaena — plants that manage your vacation as well as you do.
Frequently asked questions
For 1–2 weeks: heavy watering the day before + grouping away from sunny windows. For 2–4 weeks: terracotta watering cones, absorbent wicks, or drip timer. For more than a month: full automatic system or entrust sensitive plants. The complete watering guide details the techniques.
Without any system: Zamioculcas, Sansevieria, Aloe vera, Cowboy Cactus last 4 to 8 weeks. Ficus Elastica, Dracaena and Pachira last 2 to 3 weeks. See the full selection: no-maintenance plants.
Partially — close the shutters on south and west exposures to avoid overheating, but not completely. Total darkness weakens plants over time. A half-closed shutter is the best compromise: reduces heat and evaporation without depriving plants of light.
Don't throw away immediately — water normally and wait 24 to 48 hours. Many plants fully recover after prolonged drought if the roots are still healthy. Check the roots: if they are white or beige and firm, the plant can recover. See the diagnostic guide to assess the condition.
Verdeia shop
Travel worry-free this summer
Each plant comes with its care sheet — including advice for extended absences.
