I’m a ‘hortpreneur’ gardening expert – my five tips can keep your houseplants alive while you’re on holiday

AN EXPERT has revealed how to keep houseplants alive while you're on holiday including huddling them together - or even using a plant sitter.

With the UK finally saying goodbye to winter, millions will be eager to escape to sunnier climes.

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But the green-fingered among them will be keen to ensure they don't return to a host of unhealthy or even dead plants.

However, help is at hand after horticulture expert Michael Perry revealed his top tips for preventing this unwelcome sight.

These include huddling them together for warmth and contrary to what you might think, only lightly watering them before setting off on your travels.

The plant expert, also known as Mr Plant Geek, also suggests employing a plant sitter to keep a watchful eye on any specialist specimens while holidaymakers are abroad.

Teaming up with online travel agent loveholidays, he said: “During winter, most houseplants won't be growing very quickly, so constant watering is the last thing they need.

“But as the mercury starts to slowly rise, your plants will need a little bit more care and attention than they would have a few months back.

“It’s still perfectly possible to come back to thriving plants, even after an extended break – you just might need some help to do it.”

The ‘hortpreneur’ also suggests using holidays as an opportunity to explore other houseplants in different habitats, to bring inspiration back home.

And he says if you're a bit more of a ‘plant geek’ and have a few specialist specimens which need grow lights and heat, it might be advisable to find a houseplant-sitter for the duration of your holiday.

A plant sitter might even be able to update by video to keep you in the loop as to their wellbeing.

But the important thing is not to panic if there’s another cold snap.

He said: “For a week's holiday, I would give plants a light watering before you leave.

“Avoid leaving them sitting in pools of chilly water at this time of year, and I certainly wouldn't use 'the ice cube trick' that many might encourage you to try.”

Al Murray, from loveholidays, added: “Many Brits are considering jetting off on a last-minute sunny escape to beat the end of the winter chill.

“While the plant-lovers among us may be worried about their leafy friends surviving while they’re away, Michael has revealed now is in fact the perfect time to head abroad.

“Armed with these valuable tips, green-fingered holidaymakers can make smarter decisions for their sunshine-filled breaks while ensuring the rhythm of life back home continues to run smoothly.”

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