How to Water Your Plants When You Go Away

Don't let your pothos prevent you from enjoying your vacation.

Updated on June 30, 2022

Whether you're going away for a few nights or a few weeks, there's a way to keep your houseplants watered while you're away. Depending upon your level of dedication and how often you typically travel, you can invest in hydroponic planters, order an inexpensive watering globe, or try the DIY trick below. Whichever method you choose, you can enjoy your vacation (or work-cation) without worrying whether your snake plant will survive without you. And for extra-long trips? It may be time to call on that trusty neighbor.

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Order a Watering Globe

clear watering bulb in potted plant — Rejuvenation

For potted houseplants, an affordable watering globe will ensure their survival. Just fill the globe with water before you leave for your trip, and the end that's inserted into the potting soil will slowly hydrate the plant as the soil gets dry.

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Make Your Own DIY Watering Globe

You can DIY your own watering globes using bottles found in your recycling bin. A small glass seltzer bottle is perfectly sized for tabletop plants, while a screw-top wine bottle will work for large, floor-standing plants.

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Fill a Bathtub or Sink

For trips of up to a week, begin by thoroughly watering plants. "Then place a towel at the bottom of a bathtub or a sink and fill with 2 inches of water," says Barbara Pleasant, author of The Complete Houseplant Survival Manual (Storey Books, bookshop.org). Sit the plants in the tub or the sink and they'll soak up the water.

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Invest in Hydroponic Planters

terracotta self-watering plant pots — West Elm

For those who go away often, hydroponic planters (or even a complete hydroponic garden) can be a worthwhile investment. These classic terracotta pots are encased in glass, creating a reservoir of water that will keep your plant hydrated, but without causing root rot. Choose from three different sizes for plants small and large.

To buy: $60, westelm.com.

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