This article was written by Maresa Giovannini and was featured in our October issue of Home By Design magazine. To visit the original Home By Design article, click here.

VACATION VIGOR

Plants lend personality, texture, and natural layers to any high-style design. They are the accessories that take homes from livable to lived in. And once you figure out how to keep houseplants alive and thriving, it’s tough to go back to plastic stand-ins. If you have cultivated greenery that’s become family, you want to ensure they are well cared for at all times. Here, we share ways to keep your plants healthy and happy at home—even when you’re traveling.

Watering Tools.

If you don’t have a house sitter, friend, or family member who can drop by, lean into modern technology. When shuttering your home for vacation, you may quite literally close the shutters or blinds. Ensure your houseplants keep thriving with grow lights. Set lights on timers or connect to smart plugs you can control from anywhere with an app on your phone.

Self-watering pots get mixed reviews—and the last thing your plants need is too much water. Instead, maintain existing pots but install a drip irrigation system like you might already have in place outdoors. Find affordable versions online with different bundle options to suit your needs. Use the timer for varied watering schedules, giving you flexibility and control. Watering globes or terra-cotta stakes are simplified, time-release versions that are ideal to use over short trips.

Outdoor Plants.

If you have outdoor spaces, keep them in mind too. Over winter, yards require very little maintenance, but during spring, summer, and early fall, outdoor plants will need attention. Bring any pots or hanging baskets onto a covered patio if possible, and ensure any drip watering and sprinkler systems are on a season-appropriate schedule.

House Helpers.

Having a trusted plant sitter drop by while you’re away certainly lessens the stress of vacation planning. Set everyone up for success with a few thoughtful preparations. Adjust your thermostat to a pleasant temperature that won’t leave an empty house too hot or too cold. Gather plants from around your house and place them in one or two central areas (away from direct air vents). This will make it easy on your caretaker and reduce the chances of any plants being forgotten. Include an easy-to-spot reminder note (and detailed watering notes, if needed) to tend to any fragile or heavy pots you are unable to relocate. Finally, give all your plants, indoors and out, a generous shower before you go; some extra water in the tray may go a long way.

5 HARDY HOUSEPLANTS

Here, we share our top-five recommendations for plants that do well with some alone time. Pothos: These tropical climbers do more with less. Pop a plant in the window, water once a week, and watch it thrive. Cast Iron Plant: It’s amenable to a variety of light conditions and only requires water once its soil is completely dry to the touch. Aloe: Aloe vera is easy to find, grow, and care for. Water every one to three weeks (season dependent) and ensure proper drainage. Spider Plant: Cascading leaves and spider pups (also called spiderettes!) lend softness to your spaces. Give it bright to moderate indirect light and water once a week. ZZ Plant: This upright grower tops nearly every list of plants that thrive on neglect. It requires low to bright, indirect light and water every two weeks or so.