The Best Way to Water Houseplants When Going On Vacation

Every time I planned a vacation, I had one worry that kept popping up: What’s going to happen to my houseplants? I’d come back to crispy leaves, drooping stems, or worse—dead plants.

Overwatering before leaving didn’t work. Asking a neighbor? Not always reliable. Eventually, I found a few foolproof ways to keep my plants hydrated and happy while I was away—without relying on someone else.

If you have an upcoming trip and want to keep your houseplants alive and thriving, here’s the best way I’ve learned to water them while you’re away, plus a few backup tricks that work.

1. Use the Plastic Bottle Slow-Drip Method

This is my go-to solution—and it works for most houseplants. All you need is an empty plastic bottle (like a soda or water bottle) and a few minutes of prep.

How to do it:

1. Clean the bottle and poke 2–4 small holes in the cap using a push pin or nail.
2. Fill the bottle with water and screw the cap back on.
3. Flip it upside down and push the neck into the soil a few inches from the plant’s stem.
4. The water will slowly drip into the soil over several days, giving your plant a steady supply while you’re gone.

What I do

I match bottle size to pot size—small bottle for small pots, 1-liter or 2-liter bottle for larger ones. I also wedge the bottle in at an angle so it’s secure and doesn’t tip over.

2. Try the Wick Watering Method

If you’re dealing with multiple plants or want something a little more subtle, the wick method is a solid option. All you need is cotton string or old shoelaces and a container of water.

How to do it:

1. Fill a bowl or jar with water and set it a few inches above the plant pot.
2. Cut a length of cotton string long enough to reach from the container to the plant’s soil.
3. Push one end of the string a couple of inches into the soil and drop the other end into the water.
4. The wick draws moisture into the soil slowly and evenly.

What I do

I’ve used this trick for my peace lilies and pothos, especially when I leave for a week or more. It’s quiet, mess-free, and easy to set up.

3. Move Your Plants Out of the Sun

Plants in bright light or near sunny windows dry out faster. If you’re gone for several days, you want to slow down how quickly the soil dries—not speed it up.

What I do

I move my sun-loving houseplants a few feet away from windows and group them together to create a mini humidity zone. It helps hold moisture longer and keeps them from stressing out while I’m gone.

4. Water Thoroughly Before You Leave

One of the simplest (and most overlooked) steps: give your plants a deep watering the day before your trip.

How to do it:

1. Water until you see it draining from the bottom of the pot.
2. Let it drain completely so it doesn’t sit in water and rot.
3. Add mulch (like coconut coir or even dried moss) to the top to help keep moisture in.

What I do

I combine this deep watering with either the bottle method or a wick setup for backup. That way, I know my plants are covered.

Keeping houseplants alive while you’re on vacation doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few smart tricks—like using plastic bottles, water wicks, or moving plants out of harsh sunlight—you can go away for days (even a week or more) without worrying.

Now, when I travel, I spend more time packing my suitcase and less time panicking about my pothos. Try one of these methods next time you leave—you’ll come back to happy, hydrated plants waiting for you.