By Audrey Tan 

No one talks about the pain of losing your very first plant. Steve was my first houseplant after moving into my first apartment. He was tall, with long stems, gorgeous dark green, and burgundy leaves. It was a lovely few months keeping Steve alive until I had to travel for a family emergency. Everything happened so suddenly that I didn’t have time to ensure Steve’s survival while I was gone. 

Unfortunately, he was no longer alive when I returned after a month. I stopped buying plants for the home because I didn’t want to deal with another dead plant. My apartment looked bare, and no matter how many rugs, paintings, or other ornaments I decorated it with, I could never achieve the same warm, earthy feeling that a plant brought to the space.

Finding Resilient Plant Babies

I later learned that you CAN have an indoor plant collection AND travel frequently. Some plant species are sturdier, low maintenance, and have excellent water retention, so they will fare better and longer without attention. Here are some suggestions that have worked really well for me:

Cactus and succulents

Cacti and other succulents are a no-brainer if you’re a frequent traveller. Native to deserts, they are hearty and drought-resistant. Place them somewhere with good sunlight; they can last up to a month or even more without watering. 

They store excess water in the roots, stems, and leaves so they can thrive for weeks between watering. Since they are usually smaller, consider having a collection in a nice sunny corner for a bigger effect on your space.

Golden Pothos

Sometimes known as the Money Plant, the Golden Pothos is a hardy plant that’s difficult to kill. They thrive in low light and don’t require much watering. Its fast-growing vines with varying shades of green leaves give you an abundant display in a short amount of time.

You can also plant them in water and get away with not tending to them for even longer! Considered a lucky plant in some cultures, place some in your home and office to attract prosperity.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera, a succulent with excellent water-storing capabilities, can go without water for a while. They also tolerate harsh environments such as different sunlight levels and temperatures. 

I love having one at home as the gel found in the leaves has healing properties to soothe minor cuts, burns (sunburns), and skin irritations such as rashes. They have excellent air-purifying properties, too.

Philodendron

With thick stems and leaves that also serve as storage for water, Philodendrons are resilient to infrequent watering. They can thrive in low to moderate light, too. Like most of the options in our list, they have air-purifying capabilities. 

With numerous species and variants available, take your pick and choose either the more dainty, classic heart-shaped leaves of Philodendron scandens or go big with the striking foliage of Philodendron Hope Selloum. Give them just a bit of TLC occasionally, and it can live for many years. 

Peace Lily

Peace lilies are extremely low maintenance. They don’t mind low light conditions and are tolerant to periods of drought. Whether you travel often or are new to gardening, they are a good option because they tell you when they need watering by slightly dropping their leaves.

Interestingly, even if it wilts slightly due to lack of water, it will bounce back with some watering.

Prepare Your Plants

If you know that you will be travelling for a while, you can take some steps to ensure your plant stays healthy during your absence:

  1. Ask a friend or neighbour to check on them.
  2. Give your plants a big drink before you leave so they have sufficient moisture to last while you’re away. Ensure the water runs off at the bottom to prevent waterlogged soil.
  3. Group your plants together in a more humid part of the house to create a humid microclimate. This will help decelerate moisture loss by slowing down the evaporation rate to keep plants hydrated for longer.
  4. Consider self-watering devices, like watering globes, plant bulbs, or watering stakes.
  5. Create a wicking system using cotton strips or nylon strings that draw water from a reservoir to the plant’s roots.
  6. Cover the soil with mulch or moss to help retain moisture and reduce evaporation.

I now can travel with peace of mind, knowing that my plants are adequately cared for by following these steps. My indoor garden is filled with various beautiful, low-maintenance, air-purifying plants. I’ve mastered the techniques to adequately prepare them before my departure. I’ve also learned to create my own wicking system. 

So, if your precious plants have been holding you back from travelling more often, try the above steps. Your green companions will still be thriving when you return, allowing you to travel more freely and without worry. And, then, at least you shouldn’t have a Steve situation when you return.