The holiday houseplant survival guide: How to keep indoor plants thriving while you’re away

Summer holidays offer us the chance to switch off and recharge, but for houseplant parents, time away can present a challenge. Warmer temperatures, increased sunlight and missed watering sessions can quickly take their toll on indoor plants.

To help plant lovers avoid returning home to wilted leaves and dehydrated plants, Angharad James, Brand Manager at Baby Bio®, shares the simple steps that can help keep your indoor jungle healthy while you’re away.

Think about light and temperature

“Plants still need light while you’re on holiday, but summer conditions can sometimes become too intense. Direct sunlight through windows can significantly increase heat and speed up moisture loss from soil.

“Before you go, consider moving plants slightly away from south-facing windows or placing them in bright but indirect light. This helps reduce stress on the plant and slows down drying, especially during warm spells.”

Feed plants to support growth during summer

“Summer is an active growing period for most houseplants, which means they’re using more nutrients at the same time as they’re experiencing increased light and warmth.

“Giving plants a feed before you leave can help support healthy growth and maintain strong, green foliage while you’re away. A balanced liquid feed added to your watering routine can help ensure plants have the nutrients they need throughout the growing season. Products such as Baby Bio® Houseplant Food are designed to support this regular care and are suitable for a wide range of houseplants. The range also includes specialist feeds tailored to specific plant types, helping ensure everything from leafy tropical to flowering plants receive the right balance of nutrients throughout the growing season.”

Check for pests before you leave

“Before heading off on holiday, it’s worth giving your plants a quick health check. One of the biggest mistakes people make is overlooking pests that may already be present. Common houseplant pests such as aphids, whiteflies and fungus gnats can multiply at a surprisingly quick pace during warmer weather. If left unchecked, a small issue can escalate into a much bigger infestation while you’re away.

“A simple inspection of leaves, stems and soil surface before you leave can help catch problems early. If treatment is needed, products such as Baby Bio® Houseplant Bug Killer Ultra can help control common pests quickly, while Baby Bio® Houseplant Fly Traps offer a useful, chemical-free way to monitor and reduce flying insects like fungus gnats.”

Reduce maintenance where possible for longer trips

“If you’re going away for more than a few days, it can help to simplify plant care so they need less attention while you’re away.

“One option is to build feeding into a longer-term routine rather than relying on a single pre-holiday water and feed. Baby Bio® Houseplant Food Drip Feeders provide a slow and continuous supply of nutrients for up to four weeks, helping to maintain plant health with minimal effort and reducing the need for frequent feeding schedules.”

Support humidity-loving plants during warmer months

“Some houseplants, such as monsteras, peace lilies and ferns, naturally prefer more humid conditions. During summer, warm air can cause moisture to evaporate more quickly from both soil and leaves, which can leave these plants feeling stressed.

“A light misting before you leave can help support these plants during warmer spells. Baby Bio® Houseplant Feed & Mist is designed to provide both hydration and nutrients in one simple step, helping to maintain plant health while you’re on holiday.”

Clean leaves to help plants make the most of available light

“Dust naturally builds up on houseplant leaves over time, especially on larger foliage plants. While it might seem minor, this layer of dust can reduce the amount of light the plant is able to absorb.

“Giving leaves a gentle clean before you leave helps plants make the most of available light while you’re away. For plants with smooth, waxy leaves, products such as Baby Bio® Leaf Shine can help lift dust and restore a natural-looking sheen without the need for polishing.”

For more information about Baby Bio® and its range of houseplant care products, visit www.seezon.co.uk.

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Editors notes

Baby Bio® has been feeding Britain’s houseplants for over 70 years. A household favourite for generations, the iconic bottle is instantly recognisable as the nation’s favourite houseplant food – and for good reason. Its trusted formula contains a carefully balanced blend of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK), the essential nutrients plants need for strong roots, vibrant leaves and longer-lasting, brighter blooms. This unique balance helps houseplants not only survive but truly thrive. Having launched into the market seven decades ago with Baby Bio® Houseplant Food, the range has since expanded to include specialist feeds for orchids, citrus, herbs, cacti and bonsai, alongside leaf care products, houseplant insecticides, drip feeders and the popular Baby Bio® Organic Houseplant Food. Loved by generations of plant parents, Baby Bio® continues to provide simple, effective solutions to keep every home filled with healthy, happy plants.