Heading off on holiday? While you're dreaming of sunshine, your houseplants are staying home, hoping you haven't forgotten about them.
There's nothing quite like returning from a wonderful break feeling refreshed, only to discover your favourite Monstera has collapsed, your fern has crisped up, or your Peace Lily is staging a dramatic protest.
The good news? With a little preparation before you leave, most indoor plants can happily look after themselves for a week or two.
Whether you're heading away for a long weekend or a fortnight in the sun, these simple houseplant care tips will help keep your indoor plants healthy until you're home again.
1. Give Your Plants a Proper Drink
One of the best things you can do before leaving is give your plants a thorough watering the day before you go.
The aim is for the compost to be evenly moist—not soaking wet. Leaving plants standing in water can cause root rot, so allow any excess water to drain away before placing them back in decorative pots or saucers.
Not sure whether your plant actually needs watering?
A moisture meter removes all the guesswork by measuring moisture beneath the soil surface, helping you avoid both overwatering and underwatering. It's one of the simplest tools every houseplant owner should have.
2. Create a Humid Little Holiday Together
Plants naturally release moisture through their leaves, so placing them together creates a small, humid microclimate that helps reduce moisture loss.
This is especially useful during warmer summer weather or if your home gets particularly warm while you're away.
Think of it as a little staycation for your plants.
3. Use a Slow-Release Watering System
If you're going away for more than a week, a slow-release watering solution can make all the difference.
One of our favourites is the Pepin Terracotta Olla.
Simply fill it with water before you leave and bury it in the compost. The porous terracotta gradually releases moisture into the surrounding soil, allowing your plant to draw exactly the amount of water it needs as it needs it.
It's beautifully simple, highly effective and looks rather lovely too.
4. Move Plants Out of Direct Sunlight
Even plants that usually enjoy a sunny windowsill can struggle if they're left in intense sunshine without regular watering.
Before heading away, move plants into a bright position with indirect light. They'll lose moisture much more slowly and are far less likely to suffer from heat stress.
A few days with slightly less light is a much better option than returning to scorched leaves that resemble crisps.
5. Ask a Friend to Plant-Sit
If you're planning to be away for longer than a week or have a collection of thirstier plants, it's worth asking a trusted friend, neighbour or family member to pop in.
Keep instructions simple and let them know which plants need attention.
A coffee, pastry or small thank-you gift afterwards is usually enough payment for taking on such an important responsibility.
Our Favourite Houseplant Care Essentials
A little routine care goes a remarkably long way towards keeping houseplants healthy, glossy and thriving all year round.
These are some of our favourite plant care products that make looking after your indoor jungle beautifully simple.
Green Glass Plant Mister
Perfect for increasing humidity around tropical plants while gently refreshing foliage.
Pepin Houseplant Serum
A natural plant feed designed to encourage healthy growth, stronger roots and vibrant green leaves.
Pepin Cleaning Brume
Keeps leaves clean by removing dust, allowing plants to photosynthesise more efficiently while looking their very best.
Norfolk Living Natural Leaf Shine Set
Ideal for giving larger foliage plants that healthy, polished finish that makes them the star of the room.
Moisture Meter
One of the easiest ways to prevent overwatering or underwatering is by accurately checking moisture levels beneath the soil surface.
Pepin Terracotta Olla
A beautifully designed slow-release watering system that's perfect for holidays and busy plant parents.
Enjoy Your Holiday—Your Plants Will Too
Looking after houseplants doesn't need to be complicated. A little planning before you leave can make all the difference, helping your plants stay happy while you're enjoying a well-earned break.
Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or just beginning your indoor jungle, the right care tools take away much of the guesswork and make plant care far more enjoyable.
If you're looking to grow your collection, replace a well-loved plant or stock up on plant care essentials, we'd love to welcome you into our Banstead shop. You can also browse our full collection of houseplants, plant care products and plant accessories online for delivery across the UK.
