How to water your plants while you travel

Going on a business trip or a long holiday? Here's how to keep your plants alive and well while you're away, from the simplest tricks to more elaborate setups.

For trips under a week

Most houseplants will be fine on their own for 5–7 days if you water them thoroughly the day before you leave. Move them away from sunny windows (less water loss) and group them together (higher humidity).

For trips of 1–2 weeks

Use the bath towel method: soak a bath towel in water, wring it out, and lay it across a bathtub or sink. Place your pots on the towel. The towel slowly releases moisture over 7–10 days. Alternatively, fill a wide tray with pebbles and water, and set the pots on the pebbles (not in the water).

For trips of 2–4 weeks

Self-watering planters are the answer. We stock 8″, 10″, and 12″ self-watering pots with built-in reservoirs that last 2–3 weeks. Alternatively, ask a neighbour to check in every 4–5 days. Many of our customers trade watering favours with neighbours during the summer.

For trips over a month

Book our Vacation Care service. A horticulturist visits once a week, waters all your plants, does light pruning, and alerts you to any issues. We serve all of Bengaluru. Call us at +91 80 4000 0000 or book online.