If you’re wondering how your house plants will fare while you’re off on holiday, this plant expert has revealed the top five plants that can thrive without constant care – and the ones that can’t
Now that summer is here, holidays, weekend breaks, and extended getaways are filling up our calendars. But for plant owners, setting off can come with a pang of guilt. Will your array of indoor plants survive while you’re away, basking in the sun?
The great news: you don’t have to choose between your passion for travel and your love of greenery. Whether you’re jetting off to the seaside for a week or exploring a new city, there are plenty of hardy houseplants that flourish with minimal care.
Plant enthusiast, Beards & Daisies, unveils the ultimate summer guide to plants that won’t mind being left behind.
READ MORE: This 26-piece strimmer set has all you need for tackling your garden this summer is now 30% less
READ MORE: Protect your plants from insects this summer with this fine mesh netting that’s now on sale
1. Snake Plant
Shop here for £13.58 down from £16.99
This architectural plant is practically indestructible. Snake plants store water in their thick, upright leaves, making them drought-resistant. They can go up to two or three weeks without water while also tolerating low light, making them ideal for apartments or offices.
2. Satin Pothos
Shop here for £12.97
Another sustainable plant that can thrive in an indoor environment is the Pothos. With vine-like leaves that cascade down from hanging baskets or shelves, the Satin Pothos requires watering only when the soil is dry to the touch, and it can make itself comfortable in low-light settings, making it ideal for placing in corners of your workspace or home. Plus, its fast growing even without constant care, so you yield a lovely, flourishing plant with minimal effort.
3. ZZ Plant
Shop here for £16.99
The ZZ Plant is touted as a favourite for frequent travellers, as it boasts waxy, oval-shaped leaves that store moisture, and it thrives in low-light environments. Even if forgotten for a month, the ZZ will still look healthy and full while requiring little care and watering.
4. Spider Plant
Shop here from £13.99
Needing watering only every two weeks, the Spider Plant is a resilient grower that’s known for its long, arching leaves and baby “spiderettes” that spread and multiply without much maintenance. It can handle short periods of drought and bounce back quickly after neglect, making it a great household plant to have when you plan weekends away or family trips abroad.
5. Peace Lily
Shop here for £9.99
While appreciating regular watering, the Peace Lily is another forgiving plant that can still thrive when forgotten now and then. It droops dramatically when thirsty, making it easy to track when it needs care, and it quickly and noticeably perks back up after a drink, ensuring it doesn’t die if left alone for periods of time.
Some of the hardest plants to keep alive include Orchids, Fiddle Leaf Figs, and Gardenias. All of these are highly sensitive to overwatering and need regular and specific care. They are also very susceptible to environmental change or a change in routine, making them temperamental and not capable of flourishing when left alone for days on end.