The Best Low-Maintenance Plants for a UK Summer Holiday

The Best Low-Maintenance Plants for a UK Summer Holiday

The Best Low-Maintenance Plants for a UK Summer Holiday

Summer holidays are one of life's great joys — but if you're a plant parent, the thought of leaving your beloved collection unwatered for a week or two can cause real anxiety. The good news? With a little preparation, most houseplants will survive (and even thrive) while you're away.

Here's everything you need to know: which plants cope best without you, how to prep before you leave, and clever tricks to keep your plants happy while you're soaking up the sun.

🌴 The Best Plants for Surviving Your Holiday

Some plants are naturally much more forgiving of missed waterings than others. If you're building a collection and you travel regularly, these are your best friends:

🌵 Succulents & Cacti

The ultimate holiday plants. Succulents and cacti store water in their leaves and stems and can easily go 2–3 weeks (or more) without watering. Give them a good drink before you leave and they'll be absolutely fine.

🌿 Sansevieria (Snake Plant)

One of the most drought-tolerant houseplants you can own. Snake plants actively prefer to dry out completely between waterings and will happily sit unwatered for 2–3 weeks in summer. They also tolerate lower light levels, making them ideal if you're closing curtains while away.

🌿 ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ plant stores water in its thick rhizomes (underground stems) and is extraordinarily drought-tolerant. It's also very tolerant of low light. A perfect holiday plant.

🌿 Pothos & Epipremnum

Pothos are forgiving and resilient. While they prefer regular watering, they'll tolerate a week or two of neglect without too much drama — they may droop slightly but will perk back up quickly once watered.

🌿 Aloe Vera

Aloe stores water in its fleshy leaves and is very drought-tolerant. Give it a thorough watering before you leave and it'll be perfectly happy for 2 weeks.

🌿 Hoya

Hoyas are semi-succulent and store water in their waxy leaves. They prefer to dry out between waterings and will cope well with a holiday absence.

💧 How to Prep Your Plants Before You Leave

A little preparation goes a long way. Here's what to do in the days before you head off:

  • Water thoroughly 1–2 days before you leave. Don't water on the day you leave — give the water time to be absorbed properly.
  • Move plants away from south-facing windows. Direct summer sun will dry out soil much faster. Move plants to a spot with bright but indirect light.
  • Group plants together. Clustering plants creates a more humid microclimate as they transpire, which slows moisture loss.
  • Remove any flowers or buds. Flowers use a lot of energy and water. Removing them before you leave helps the plant conserve resources.
  • Don't fertilise just before leaving. Fertiliser encourages growth, which increases water demand. Hold off until you're back.
  • Check for pests. The last thing you want is to return to a full-blown infestation. Give your plants a quick inspection before you go.

🪣 Clever Watering Tricks for While You're Away

For plants that need more regular watering, there are some brilliant low-tech solutions:

  • Self-watering spikes. Terracotta or plastic spikes that you fill with water and push into the soil — they release water slowly as the soil dries. Available cheaply online and in garden centres.
  • The bottle trick. Fill a plastic bottle with water, make a small hole in the cap, and push it upside down into the soil. It releases water slowly over several days.
  • Wicking method. Place a large container of water next to your plants and run a piece of cotton rope or fabric from the water into the soil. The rope wicks water slowly into the pot.
  • Self-watering pots. If you travel regularly, investing in self-watering pots with built-in reservoirs is a game-changer.
  • Ask a friend or neighbour. The most reliable option! Leave simple written instructions — most people are happy to pop in once a week.

🚫 Plants to Avoid if You Travel Often

Some plants really do need regular attention and aren't well-suited to being left alone for long periods:

  • Calatheas & Marantas — need consistent moisture and humidity. They'll sulk quickly if left to dry out.
  • Ferns — hate drying out and will crisp up fast in warm summer conditions.
  • Orchids in active growth — need regular watering during their growing season.
  • Seedlings & young plants — small pots dry out very quickly and young plants have less resilience.

🌟 When You Get Back

Welcome home! Here's how to ease your plants back into their normal routine:

  • Check each plant individually before watering — don't water everything automatically.
  • Remove any dead or yellowing leaves.
  • Give drought-stressed plants a thorough watering and allow them to drain fully.
  • Resume your normal feeding schedule after a week.

🏆 A Note from Emm's

We want you to enjoy your summer holiday without worrying about your plants! If you're looking to add some genuinely low-maintenance plants to your collection before you head off, browse our full range at emmsplanthouse.co.uk.

Follow us on TikTok for holiday plant prep tips, care guides, and all the plant content you need to keep your collection thriving year-round.

Enjoy your holiday! ☀️🌿
— The Emm's Plant House Team

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