When preparing to leave home for a summer holiday, it’s easy to assume that closing the blinds and soaking your houseplants will keep them safe from the heat. But gardener Ángel Agudo warns that these common habits can put indoor plants in danger, sometimes with irreversible consequences.
Speaking on the Castilla-La Mancha Media program Estando Contigo, Agudo highlighted the most frequent mistakes people make before heading out on vacation. Chief among them: shutting out all natural light. “We lower the blinds and leave no light, which is mistake number one. Plants need some light, even if it’s dim,” he explained. Without suitable light, many species can deteriorate, especially those accustomed to brighter spaces.
Light Matters
While fully closed blinds can help keep a room cool, they also deprive plants of light. Agudo recommends grouping plants in a cool room away from direct sun, but leaving the blinds partially open. This provides indirect light while reducing exposure to the hottest part of the day. Small Eden’s vacation-care guidance likewise recommends moving plants away from direct sunlight while keeping them in an appropriate indirect-light location: lower light can reduce water use, but complete darkness is no substitute for a cooler spot. Group plants only when their light and moisture needs are compatible.
The Dangers of Overwatering
Another widespread error is placing all the pots in the bathtub and filling it with water, hoping to keep the soil moist during your absence. Agudo warns that keeping roots constantly soaked can be just as damaging as drought. “You always have to adapt the plant to the watering system, but never leave them waterlogged during vacation,” he said. When substrate stays saturated, less air reaches the roots, increasing the risk of root damage and decay.
The right amount of water depends on each plant and its growing conditions. Pot size and soil type matter, as do available light and indoor conditions. The plant’s moisture level also counts, not simply the length of the trip. Check each pot individually before watering: plant-care expert André Alonso recommends feeling the substrate about two to three centimetres below the surface. If it is still damp, wait. If it is dry and the plant needs water, water thoroughly and let the excess drain through the holes. Check that drainage holes are clear and remove dead leaves. After watering, empty saucers rather than leaving pots in standing water.
Test DIY Watering Systems
Many people turn to homemade watering solutions, including inverted bottles and clay cones. Cotton wicks are another option. Agudo stresses the importance of testing these systems before relying on them for a trip. “Another mistake is not trying out the watering systems we plan to use. It’s always impressive to test them and see how they work,” he said. A trial run helps you gauge how much water is released and for how long. It can also reveal leaks or excessive moisture that could harm your plants. For absences of several days, thorough watering may be enough for some plants; a one- to two-week trip may call for a tested wick or reservoir system, with the aim of keeping soil moist rather than soggy. For longer trips, arrange for someone to check the plants.
Succulents such as Haworthia show why one watering plan cannot suit every pot: care guidance recommends waiting until their substrate is completely dry before watering. Wilting alone is not proof that a plant needs more water. If the soil is wet, adding more may worsen root problems. Provide suitable light and avoid waterlogging. Test your setup before leaving. For those looking to make their homes more comfortable in the heat, practical advice, like the tips found in this article on how to cool your nights without air conditioning, can also help you manage the summer climate more effectively.
