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Here's how to holiday-proof your plants like a pro

Jetting off to warmer climes? Many houseplants will tolerate a few days without water, however you may want to consider some alternative watering methods if you are away for longer periods of time.

From asking neighbours to buying a self-watering container, keep reading for all you need to know about holiday-proofing your plants...

There's a lot to think about before heading on holiday, including who will look after your plants when you are away. One of the easiest ways to keep your precious plants blooming is to enlist the help of a trusted friend, family member or neighbour. Before you head off, make sure you tell them in detail about the various plants (both inside and out) that need watering — and how often they need a top-up.

According to the RHS, covering plants with a plastic bag is an effective method for short-term absences only. Want to give it a go? "Place a clear plastic bag over your plant and seal it closed. This allows water vapour to be collected and recycled by the plant. Keep the sides of the bag out of contact with the plant by supporting the bag with canes," says the gardening charity.

Giving your plants the water they need isn't always possible, especially when you're on holiday. One of the best solutions is to purchase a self-watering planter — a clever device which uses a reservoir and irrigation to give your plants access to water at the roots. It's worth knowing that these are best suited to plants that need moisture year-round and do not mind permanent moist conditions, such as tomatoes, snake plants, and African violets.

Hanging planters make lovely decorations, so this is a great choice to pretty up your home. As it’s made from glass – choose from clear or misted – it’s easy to see when the reservoir needs topping up.

Frond also has a wall-mounted version, or this attractive standing planter.

Size: H19cm x D14cm. Hang height is 85cm.

Made from recycled materials, this origami-style planter is delivered in a flat pack to reduce waste. As it fits through most letterboxes, it’ll make a great gift for loved ones. The cord wrapped around this ready-to-assemble pot acts as the wick, transferring the water to your precious plant.

Like this design? Eco-conscious brand POTR Pots has lots of lovely options available here. ​​

Size: H18cm x D18cm

This windowsill board is very clever – place your plants on the tray, which is covered in capillary matting, and they’ll draw water from the internal container. It’s really roomy too, so you can fit five or six different pots on here (depending on their size, obviously).

Size: L76cm x W17cm x D3.5cm

Ensuring your reservoir has enough water is easy with this handy pot liner. The gauge lets you know when it needs topping up (if the level drops below ‘min’) so there’s little risk of your plants feeling dehydrated.

If you’d prefer something smaller, this design comes in a range of sizes.

Size: H30.5cm x D33cm

Here’s a stylish option, designed specifically for herbs. Pop your basil plant in the ceramic pot then top up the glass one every two-to-three weeks to ensure it flourishes.

Size: H16.5cm x W15cm x D15cm

German brand Lechuza has plenty of self-watering planters to choose from, including this sleek pot. Available in three colours (our favourite is rust red), this has lots of room for your favourite herbs or flowers. A water gauge lets you know at first glance whether it needs topping up, too.

Size: H14cm x W40cm x D14cm

This stylish option would transform an unloved corner of your home into a tranquil indoor garden. And despite looking complicated to set up, Symple Stuff claims this vertical four-plant pot can be assembled in five minutes.

Size: H148cm x W30cm x D30cm

Some herbs, like mint and parsley, can be tricky to maintain once you get them home from the supermarket (why is it that they wilt so quickly?). This Cole & Mason model will help them stay nourished and last longer. There’s a smaller version available, too.

Size: H21cm x D15cm

Habitat’s self-watering bubble vase is on-trend and reasonably priced. Pop your plant into the pretty inner vase, top the outer up with water, and you’re ready to go.

Size: H17.5cm x W17cm x D17cm

This one has great eco-credentials – LSA partnered with the environmental charity Eden Project for the Canopy glassware range. Everything from the planter to the packaging is made from recycled material, so it’s one of our favourites.

This stylish all-glass planter is fitted with a removable cork bung and cord that absorbs the water from the lower compartment and carries it up to your plant’s roots.

Size: H22cm x D24.1cm

This wick watering method is simple: you use a soft string fabric (a shoelace will do) to water to your plants so they don't dry out when you aren't home. In this system, a cotton wick will then absorb water and nutrients from a solution and supplies it to plants in containers or trays.

The RHS explain: "This method is useful for large single pot plants. Use a large container to hold water, and a piece of capillary matting as a wick. Insert one end of the wick into the reservoir and tuck the other end into the plant pot. This will enable the plant to draw on the water reserves in the reservoir."

If you have a garden or balcony, consider moving your houseplants to a shady spot outside to expose them to regular rain showers. Some tender plants can scorch during the summer months, so keep them out of direct sunlight. Another holiday tip to move plants away from windowsills, radiators and other heat sources to avoid drying them out.

A capillary mat — usually made of felt — absorbs and holds water which can be drawn up by soil in pot plants positioned on the matting. Easy to use, simply soak the mat in water and place your houseplants on top.

The RHS advise: "Plants should be grouped on the wet matting, ensuring they make good contact with it by pressing them down slightly. Clay pots need a thorough watering first for them to start drawing up water from the mat."

Time to switch on your out-of-office and holiday in peace...

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