Long-term travel is an exciting adventure, but leaving your home unattended for extended periods can raise concerns, especially for plant lovers. Fortunately, several low-maintenance indoor plants can thrive even with minimal care, ensuring your home remains a green oasis while you’re away exploring the world. Here are 5 excellent choices:
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): The Ultimate Survivor
The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is renowned for its resilience and ability to tolerate neglect. It can withstand low light conditions, infrequent watering, and fluctuations in temperature, making it an ideal choice for long-term travelers. Its striking, upright leaves with unique patterns add a touch of elegance to any room.
Care while away: Before leaving, water thoroughly and ensure the pot has good drainage. Place the plant in a location with indirect light and avoid direct sunlight. You can also add a layer of mulch to the soil surface to help retain moisture.
Why it’s perfect for travelers: It can survive weeks without water and thrives in various light conditions.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): The King of Neglect
If you’re prone to forgetting to water your plants, the ZZ plant is your perfect match. This incredibly resilient plant can tolerate extreme neglect, thriving in low light and infrequent watering. Its glossy, dark green leaves add a touch of sophistication to any space.
Care while away: Water sparingly before leaving, as overwatering is more detrimental than underwatering for this plant. Place it in a low-light area and avoid direct sunlight.
Why it’s perfect for travelers: It stores water in its rhizomes and can tolerate extended periods of drought.
3. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior): Living Up to Its Name
True to its name, the cast iron plant is incredibly tough and can withstand a wide range of conditions, including low light, infrequent watering, and temperature fluctuations. Its dark green, strappy leaves add a touch of classic elegance to any room.
Care while away: Water moderately before leaving and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Place it in a low-light location, away from direct sunlight.
Why it’s perfect for travelers: It’s highly adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, making it perfect for unpredictable travel schedules.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Elegance with Minimal Fuss
The peace lily is a graceful plant with elegant white flowers that bloom periodically throughout the year. While it prefers slightly higher humidity, it can tolerate low light and infrequent watering, making it a suitable choice for travelers.
Care while away: Water thoroughly before leaving and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Place it in a location with indirect light and avoid direct sunlight.
Why it’s perfect for travelers: It’s relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate some neglect, while also adding a touch of elegance with its blooms.
5. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema Pink): Colorful and Adaptable
Chinese evergreens are available in a wide variety of stunning colors and patterns, adding a vibrant touch to your home. They are highly adaptable to low-light conditions and relatively easy to care for.
Care while away: Water moderately before leaving and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Place it in a location with indirect light and avoid direct sunlight.
Why it’s perfect for travelers: It’s tolerant of low light and infrequent watering, and its colorful foliage adds vibrancy to your space.
Additional Tips for Long-Term Plant Care While Traveling:
Adjust Watering: Before leaving, water your plants thoroughly but avoid overwatering. You can also use self-watering systems or slow-release watering spikes to provide a consistent water supply.
Optimize Light: Place your plants in locations with appropriate light levels. If your home is particularly dark, consider using grow lights to supplement natural light.
Increase Humidity: If you live in a dry climate or your home tends to be dry, consider increasing humidity levels by using a humidifier or grouping plants together.
Ask for Help: If you have a trusted friend or neighbor, ask them to check on your plants periodically and water them if needed.
By choosing these low-maintenance indoor plants and taking a few preventative measures, you can ensure your home remains a green and welcoming space, even during extended travel periods. Enjoy your adventures knowing that your plants are well-equipped to thrive in your absence.