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How to Keep Indoor Plants Alive Over December Holidays (Watering Checklist)

How to Keep Indoor Plants Alive Over December Holidays (Simple Watering Checklist)

December holidays are when most indoor plants die — not because they’re “difficult”, but because routines change. Someone waters too much, someone forgets completely, or plants get moved into hot sun “so they can get light”.

This guide gives you a simple checklist to keep your indoor plants healthy while you’re away (or while the office is quiet).

Quick rule before you start

Most indoor plants die from overwatering, not underwatering. If you’re unsure, water less and leave clear instructions.

1) The 10-minute pre-holiday plant audit

Group plants by light: bright indirect / medium / low-light corners.
Group plants by thirst: “drinkers” (peace lilies, ferns) vs “drought-tolerant” (ZZ, snake plant, succulents).
Check pot drainage: every pot should have a drainage hole or be in a pot that doesn’t trap water.
Move plants out of danger zones: away from hot west-facing sun, heaters, and strong aircon vents.

2) What to do 1–2 days before you leave

✅ Water the right way (the safe method)

Water each plant slowly until water runs out the bottom.
Let it drain fully.
Empty the drip tray/cache pot (plants should not sit in water for days).

✅ Clean + check

Remove dead leaves and spent flowers.
Wipe dusty leaves (plants “breathe” better).
Quick pest check under leaves (especially for mealybug/scale).

✅ Make the environment easier

Move plants slightly away from harsh direct sun (especially afternoons).
Cluster plants together to hold humidity (great for ferns and peace lilies).
If it’s very hot, close curtains slightly to reduce midday heat.

3) Holiday watering instructions (copy & paste note)

Print this and leave it next to the plants:

Indoor plant holiday watering:
Please only water plants if the top 3–5cm of soil feels dry.
Water slowly until it drains out the bottom, then empty the tray.
Do not water the ZZ plant, snake plant, succulents unless bone dry.
Peace lily / ferns can be checked more often (they like slightly moist soil).
Do not move plants into direct sun.

4) How often should someone water while you’re away?

It depends on heat, pot size, and light — but this is a safe guideline:

1 week away: Water properly before leaving. Most plants will cope. “Drinkers” may need 1 check.
2 weeks away: Arrange 1 check-in watering mid-way (only if soil is dry).
3+ weeks away: Arrange a weekly check for drinkers, and a mid-way check for the rest.

Hot tip: Bigger pots dry slower. Small desk plants dry faster.

5) Plant-by-plant cheat sheet (easy mode)

Drought-tolerant (water the least)

ZZ Plant
Snake Plant
Succulents / cacti

Rule: skip watering unless the pot is properly dry.

Moderate (check soil first)

Monstera
Philodendron
Pothos / Devil’s Ivy
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Dracaena

Rule: water only when the top layer is dry.

Thirstier (needs checks)

Peace Lily
Ferns (especially if it’s hot and dry)

Rule: don’t let these dry out fully.

6) “Emergency” signs (what to do if something looks wrong)

Drooping + dry soil: water and let drain.
Yellow leaves + wet soil: stop watering, improve drainage, move to brighter indirect light.
Brown crispy edges: too much sun/heat or too dry air — move out of harsh sun and cluster plants.

7) If you’re away and want the easiest plants…

If you travel often, choose low-maintenance plants that don’t need frequent watering.

FAQ

Should I put plants in direct sun while I’m away?
No — this often burns leaves and increases water demand.
Should I leave plants standing in water?
No — most indoor plants rot if roots sit in water for days.
Is misting enough?
Misting can help humidity, but it doesn’t replace proper watering when soil is dry.