How do you look after plants while on holiday?
In short
Plan for each plant, your time away, and the conditions at home. Check watering arrangements before you leave and give a helper clear instructions for the actual pots. Extra water is not a substitute for a working plan.
In this guide
Choose an arrangement that fits the plant
RHS holiday guidance distinguishes short absences from longer periods and notes that cacti and succulents can tolerate longer without water than many other houseplants. A cooler suitable spot can reduce drying, but a watering reservoir can also over-supply water. Do not repot into an unfamiliar self-watering system just before a short trip.
Source: RHS: Houseplants — holiday care
Arrange a helper for a longer absence
The RHS recommends asking someone trustworthy to keep an eye on plants while you are away. Agree who is coming, which plants they cover, and how they will contact you. Check their access and the care arrangement in advance rather than leaving the first trial until departure day.
Make the handover specific
A useful handover identifies the actual plant and its location, explains how to check whether care is needed, and records what was done. “Monstera on the living-room shelf: check the mix first, water only if needed, remove collected water” is clearer than “water all plants on Tuesday”. Keep plants with different routines separately identifiable.
Show your helper where water can drain and how to recognize the right pot. Try any wick or reservoir setup ahead of time and check whether the pot becomes too wet or dries out. Leave a contact route for unexpected observations instead of expecting the helper to diagnose a problem.
Review the record when you return
Compare completed care with the instructions and look at any photos or notes from your helper. Continue from the current conditions rather than automatically repeating a task because you are home again. Record an observation if a plant changed during your absence so the next handover starts with better context.
Your checklist
Tick off what you have already checked. Nothing is saved.
Frequently asked questions
Should I give every plant extra water before leaving?
No. Different plants and growing setups need different care. Check the plant and its pot before watering; avoid using standing water as a reserve.
Can I restrict a Plantly sitter handover to certain plants?
Yes. A handover can include all or selected plants for a defined date range. Review both the selection and dates before sharing the invitation.
Set up time-limited sitter access
In Plantly, choose the plants and dates for a sitter handover. Keep locations, care tasks, and observations with the profiles so the helper can work from the same collection.
Explore the related Plantly feature
Sources
- RHS: Houseplants — holiday carerhs.org.uk
- RHS: How to look after your garden on holidayrhs.org.uk
Checked on 12 October 2026. This guide does not replace advice for your individual plant.
