Most houseplants will tolerate a few days absence with little harm.
Summer care
For short absences during the summer giving plants a thorough watering before going away may be sufficient. Moving the plant to a cooler room or away from a bright window will help prevent it drying out rapidly.
For longer absences special measures can be taken to prevent the plant suffering or dying. These are based on providing a reservoir of water for the plant to draw on.
Wick
Use a large container to hold water, and a piece of capillary matting as a wick. Plants can take up the water they need by placing the wick into the reservoir and tucking the other end into the plant pot.
Capillary matting
This method can be used in the kitchen sink. The capillary
mat is placed on the drainer and draped into the sink. Insert
the plug and fill with water. Plants should be grouped on
the matting, ensuring they make good contact with the wet
matting by pressing down slightly. Clay pots will need a thorough
watering to start drawing up water. This method will not work
at all with crocked pots.
Covering with a bag
Placing a clear plastic bag over your plant, and sealing
it closed, allows water vapour to be collected and recycled
by the plant. This method is suitable for short-term absences
only. Keep the sides of the bag out of contact with the plant
by supporting the bag with canes.
Self-watering containers
Suitable for growing plants which prefer to be kept moist all year round these containers have a built-in reservoir.
Winter care
In the winter plants can be left for a week or two with no attention, except to ensure that the temperature does not fall below the minimum they will tolerate. Move plants away from windows and water so that the compost is moist but not waterlogged.
Caring for houseplants