As a frequent traveler, you've probably mastered the art of packing for a week-long trip in a carry-on and can navigate an airport with your eyes closed. But there’s one thing that can bring even the most seasoned jet-setter to their knees: plant care.
You know the drill - you’re on the road again, and suddenly, the thriving jungle in your apartment is on the brink of becoming a desert. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice your globetrotting lifestyle for the sake of your leafy companions.
With a few smart strategies, your plants will be living their best lives, even when you’re off living yours.
Here’s your no-stress guide to keeping your plants happy while you’re out exploring the world.
The Best Plants for Frequent Travelers
Let’s get real: if your plant requires daily pep talks and a misting schedule more intense than your skincare routine, it's probably not the best choice for you.
But don’t worry - there are plenty of plants that can handle your "our of office" lifestyle without turning into crispy, sad reminders of your absence. Here are the VIPs of low-maintenance greenery:
Succulents and Cacti
Succulents and cacti are the ultimate low-maintenance plants. They don’t need constant attention, and they won’t text you at 3 AM asking why you’ve been ignoring them.
Varieties like aloe vera, jade plants, and barrel cacti can survive weeks without water, so they won’t even notice you’re gone.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The snake plant is the strong, silent type. It thrives on neglect - kind of like the guy who only wants you more for not texting back.
Low light? No problem. Water every few weeks? Sure thing. This is the kind of plant you can ghost and it’ll still look fabulous when you come back.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is basically a succulent that went to finishing school. It looks refined and polished but deep down, it’s tough as nails. It stores water in its roots, so if you disappear for a month, it’ll just sip its reserves and patiently wait for your return. No drama, no guilt trips.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are like those perpetually chill people who never seem to get stressed, no matter what. They’re adaptable and can handle a little neglect. Plus, they’ll even reward you by producing baby plants while you’re gone - they have their own thriving social life.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is the friend who can party all night but still shows up for brunch looking fresh. It can survive in low light, can go without water for a couple of weeks, and somehow still manages to grow those trailing vines. It’s a low-maintenance beauty that doesn’t mind being forgotten about.
Pre-Travel Plant Care: Steps to Take Before You Leave
So, you’ve booked your flights, packed your bags, and set an out-of-office email that makes everyone jealous. Now, what about your plants? Here’s how to keep them thriving while you’re sipping cocktails in some exotic locale (or your parents’ house).
Water Strategically
Give your plants a good soak before you leave - think of it like hydrating before a long-haul flight. Most plants can handle being ignored for a couple of weeks if you water them thoroughly before you go. Just don’t overdo it; plants drowning in soggy soil won’t thank you for your effort.
Move Plants Away from Direct Sunlight
Your plants won’t appreciate basking in direct sunlight while you’re off gallivanting around the globe. Move them to a spot with indirect light to slow down their water usage. It’s like putting your plants into "vacation mode"—they’ll still be alive, just chillin' and not burning through resources.
Use Mulch or Pebbles
Throw down some mulch or pebbles on the soil before you leave. This locks in moisture and keeps your plants hydrated longer. It’s not overly glamorous, but it works.
Group Your Plants Together
Plants, like humans, like to hang out in groups. When you cluster them together, they create a mini rainforest and keep the humidity levels higher. It’s basically a house party for plants while you’re away - minus the red cups to clean up afterward.
Trim Excess Foliage
Giving your plants a little haircut before you leave reduces their water needs. Plus, it’s like putting them in their Sunday best before you go - it makes them look tidy and keeps them from getting too thirsty while you’re gone.
Self-Watering Planters Are a Traveler's Best Friend
If you’re serious about balancing a plant-filled home with a jet-set lifestyle, self-watering planters are your secret weapon. These little gadgets are like the personal assistants of the plant world - quietly doing the hard work while you’re off enjoying life.
Self-watering planters allow your plants to hydrate themselves on demand. No more worrying about forgetting to water them as they’ve got it under control.
With Marly, you only need to fill up the reservoir every 30-45 days depending on temperatures. Your plant will naturally take care of the rest, drinking in water as and when needed.
That means your month-long trips are suddenly worry free.
What to Do When You Return from Travel
So, you’re back. You’ve got a tan, a camera roll full of photos, and a suitcase full of souvenirs. Now it’s time to check in with your leafy friends. They’ve been holding down the fort, but they could use a little TLC.
1. Check Soil Moisture
First things first: check the soil. If it’s dry, water your plants gently. If it’s still damp, let it dry out a bit before watering again. Plants hate being over-watered almost as much as they hate being forgotten.
Marly makes this step simple. If your trip was no more than a couple of months then your plants will be perfectly hydrated.
All you need to do now is refill the water reservoir and watch the ingenious water level indicator rise back up to full!
2. Inspect for Pests
While you were off exploring, pests might have decided to explore your plants. Give your leaves a once-over and check for any unwelcome visitors.
3. Gradually Move Plants Back to Their Regular Spot
If you moved your plants to a low-light corner, ease them back into their usual spot. Don’t shock them by dumping them back into direct sunlight all at once. Think of it as helping them recover from their own version of jet lag.
4. Give Them a Trim
Trim off any yellow or crispy leaves - consider it a post-vacation refresh for your plants. It helps them focus on new growth and keeps them looking fresh for their next round of house guests.
Final Tips for Frequent Travelers
Did we mention that you should buy a Marly?
It’s cheaper than scheduling a plant sitter, more reliable than asking a friend, and safer than leaving keys with a neighbor.
Marly keeps your plants watered, fresh, and thriving. In fact, you’re much more likely to come home to new flowers than dead ones.
With the right preparation and a few clever tools, you can have your passport full of stamps and a home full of happy plants. So pack your bags, head to the airport, and don’t look back.
With Marly, and the steps above, your plants will be just fine without you.
Shop the full self-watering plant collection.