How to Water Plants While Away for a Week

One Week Away: Totally Manageable

A week-long absence is one of the easiest plant care challenges to solve. Most healthy houseplants can handle 7 days without watering if you prepare properly before you leave. Here's exactly what to do.

Step 1: Water Thoroughly the Day Before

Give every plant a deep, thorough watering the day before you leave. Use a watering can with a long spout to water slowly and evenly until water drains from the bottom of each pot. This ensures the entire root zone is fully hydrated before you go.

Step 2: Check Moisture Levels

Use a soil moisture meter to confirm each plant is properly hydrated. Plants that read "moist" on the meter are well-prepared for a week away. This also helps you identify any plants that might need extra attention before you leave.

Step 3: Set Up Self-Watering Globes for Thirstier Plants

For moisture-loving plants (ferns, peace lilies, pothos) that might struggle for a full week, self-watering globes are the perfect solution. Fill with water, insert into the soil, and they slowly release moisture as the soil dries — keeping plants hydrated for 1–2 weeks automatically.

Step 4: Move Plants Out of Direct Sun

Direct sunlight dries soil much faster. Move plants away from south or west-facing windows to a shadier spot while you're away. This significantly slows moisture loss without harming most plants for a week.

Step 5: Group Plants Together

Grouping plants together creates a more humid microclimate around them, slowing moisture loss from both the soil and the leaves. This is especially helpful for tropical plants.

Which Plants Need Extra Help for a Week?

• Fine without help: Succulents, cacti, snake plants, ZZ plants, pothos
• May need a globe or extra watering: Ferns, peace lilies, calatheas, moisture-loving tropicals
• Check before leaving: Any plant that normally needs watering every 3–5 days

Final Thoughts

A week away is easy to manage with the right preparation. Water thoroughly before you leave, use self-watering globes for thirsty plants, move plants out of direct sun, and group them together. Most plants will be perfectly happy when you return.