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How to Keep Plants Watered While on Vacation

7 methods tested - from DIY tricks to permanent solutions

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You've booked the holiday. You've packed the bags. Then you look at your plants and think: "They're going to die, aren't they?"

If you're gone for more than a few days, most houseplants and container gardens will suffer. We've tested the most popular solutions - from wine bottle tricks to automated systems - so you know what actually works.

TL;DR: For trips under 1 week, DIY methods can work. For 1-2 weeks, drip systems help but need setup. For 2+ weeks or year-round peace of mind, self-watering planters are the only reliable solution.

The 7 Methods We Tested

1. The Wine Bottle / Watering Globe

Works for: 3-5 days

Fill a wine bottle with water, quickly flip it and stick it in the soil. As soil dries, it draws water from the bottle.

Pros:
  • Free (reuse bottles)
  • No setup required
  • Works in a pinch
Cons:
  • Unpredictable water release
  • Can tip over
  • Only lasts 3-5 days

Verdict: Fine for a long weekend. Don't rely on it for anything longer.

2. String Wicking System

Works for: 5-7 days

Put one end of a cotton string in a water container and bury the other end in the soil. Water travels along the string via capillary action.

Pros:
  • Very cheap
  • Larger water reservoir possible
  • Consistent slow release
Cons:
  • String can dry out
  • Uneven wicking
  • Setup required per plant

Verdict: Works better than bottles. Still not foolproof for trips over a week.

3. Bathtub Method

Works for: 7-10 days

Place plants in a bathtub with 2-3cm of water. Plants absorb water through drainage holes. Works best in low-light bathrooms for shade plants.

Pros:
  • Very effective for some plants
  • Humidity boost
  • No equipment needed
Cons:
  • Not all plants tolerate wet feet
  • Risk of root rot
  • No light for sun-loving plants

Verdict: Good option for tropical plants. Don't use for herbs, succulents, or anything that hates wet roots.

4. Drip Irrigation Kit

Works for: 1-2 weeks

Connect plants to a water reservoir with drip tubes. Water slowly drips to each plant. More sophisticated versions have timers.

Pros:
  • Adjustable flow rates
  • Can serve multiple plants
  • Timer versions are very reliable
Cons:
  • Setup time and cost
  • Tubes can clog
  • Needs testing before you leave

Verdict: Good for outdoor gardens and multiple indoor plants. Requires planning and testing.

5. Ask a Neighbour

Works for: Any duration

The classic solution. Someone comes by and waters your plants.

Pros:
  • Flexible
  • Human judgment on plant needs
  • Can handle problems
Cons:
  • Relies on someone else
  • People forget
  • Over or under-watering common

Verdict: Social solution. Works great until it doesn't. Always have a backup.

6. Smart Plant Monitors with Auto-Watering

Works for: 2+ weeks

Sensors monitor soil moisture and trigger pumps to water when needed. Some connect to apps for remote monitoring.

Pros:
  • Truly automated
  • Remote monitoring
  • Precise watering
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Needs electricity/batteries
  • Tech can fail

Verdict: High-tech solution that works well but adds complexity and cost.

7. Self-Watering Planters

Works for: 3-4 weeks

Planters with built-in water reservoirs. Plants draw water as needed through capillary action. Fill the reservoir before you leave.

Pros:
  • No setup each trip
  • No electricity needed
  • Plants self-regulate
  • Prevents overwatering year-round
Cons:
  • Higher upfront cost
  • Reservoir size limits duration
  • Not all designs are equal

Verdict: The only "set and forget" solution that works year-round, not just when traveling.

Which Method Should You Use?

Weekend trip (2-3 days): Water deeply before leaving. Most plants will be fine.

1 week: Wine bottles or string wicking. Move plants out of direct sun.

1-2 weeks: Drip irrigation system or bathtub method (for appropriate plants).

2+ weeks or frequent travel: Self-watering planters are the only reliable hands-off solution.

The Real Solution: Stop Worrying About It

Here's the thing: all the DIY methods require setup every single time you travel. You're always rushing around the night before a trip, filling bottles and praying it works.

Self-watering planters solve this permanently. Fill the reservoir, leave for weeks, come home to healthy plants. It's the difference between a workaround and a solution.

Tired of Plant Anxiety Before Every Trip?

Garden Stack is a self-watering planter that keeps plants hydrated for up to 4 weeks. No electricity, no apps, no hoping your neighbour remembers. Just fill the reservoir and go.

See How Garden Stack Works

Quick Tips Before Any Trip

Happy travels. Your plants will thank you.

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