July 17, 2025, 3:03 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
The anticipation of a relaxing vacation is quickly dampened when you think about your houseplants. Time, money, and effort have been invested to ensure that your monstera, peace lily, and bird of paradise grow and thrive. Watering is one of the most important care measures. Especially in summer, houseplants also need more water. But how are houseplants supposed to survive the vacation if no one is there to water them? It all depends on the plant. myHOMEBOOK presents five plants that can survive the vacation without any care.
1. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant stores water in its thick roots and stems. Therefore, the houseplant can go weeks without water and survive any vacation unscathed.
You should only water the ZZ plant when the soil is dry, which is about every two to three weeks. If you water it too often, waterlogging and root rot will occur. The best location is a bright, semi-shaded spot. The ZZ plant does not tolerate direct sunlight.
2. Aloe Vera
Succulents, including Aloe Vera, are ideal houseplants if you travel often. They are adapted to dry, hot conditions. Succulents store water in their fleshy leaves and can survive long periods without rain—or a watering can.
Generally, you only need to water Aloe Vera every two to three weeks. It’s best to check if the substrate is dry using the finger test. Well-draining soil is essential for Aloe Vera to thrive. Hobby gardeners can use special cactus soil or mix regular potting soil with sand. Choose a bright, sunny spot for its location.
3. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
The snake plant is a true survivor. It’s suitable for people without a green thumb because it’s quite hardy and robust. It not only withstands long dry periods but also copes with low light, making it an ideal houseplant for those who travel frequently.
For the snake plant, it’s better to leave the watering can aside more often than to use it. If you water the houseplant too often, root rot is a risk. Water the snake plant no more than every two to three weeks. While the plant tolerates direct sunlight, a bright to shaded spot in the home is better.
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4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is known and loved for its air-purifying properties. The robust climbing plant not only removes pollutants from the air but also draws water, allowing it to survive longer periods without watering.
You should only water Pothos when the top layer of soil is dry. It’s best to choose a bright spot where it feels most comfortable. However, direct sunlight should be avoided.
5. Yucca
The Yucca—also its scientific name—stores water in its trunk. The houseplant prefers dry substrate and tolerates longer dry spells.
It’s better to water it too little than too much. Waterlogging should be avoided at all costs. A drainage layer of expanded clay can help. A bright or sunny spot in the home is suitable for its location.
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General Tips
If it’s a particularly long vacation of three weeks or more, you can also consider the following tips:
- To keep the plants’ water needs low, it can help to place them in a cooler location. However, their light needs should still be met.
- Neighbors, friends, or family may be able to take care of the plants during your absence. If it’s not possible to visit the plants, they can also be temporarily relocated. However, keep in mind that not every houseplant handles a change of location well. Plants like bird of paradise should not be stressed with a move.
- Water the houseplants thoroughly just before the vacation.
- To supply the plants with water during your absence, you can place a filled, upside-down water bottle in the pot. Simply poke a few holes in the cap. This way, the water gradually seeps into the soil.