Ask someone to tend your plants if
you'll be away more than a week.

When you go on vacation, no matter what time of year, what will become of your houseplants? Left untended for up to a week, most indoor plants will survive. Just water them thoroughly before you leave, and make sure they'll receive adequate light (but not direct sun that might dry the soil too much). If you plan to be away for more than a week, try the options listed below.

• Ask a neighbor or friend to water your plants. Leave them a list to let them know which days.
• Set all your houseplants in the bathtub. Turn on the shower and drench them. Drape a clear sheet of plastic over the plants. They'll be fine like this for up to 2 weeks if there's a window in your bathroom and the plants get some light. If there's no natural light, set up a fluorescent light on a timer set for 12 hours.
• Set individual plants in large, clear plastic bags, making a mini-greenhouse for each one. Cut a few slits in the bag, and then close the top with a twist tie.
• In winter, turn down the thermostat. Set the temperature of your furnace at 60 to 65 degrees F in winter. Your plants will fare better in a cooler climate.