Away for a while? Here’s how your plants survive the summer in Spain

There we go again. You’re heading off. To the Netherlands, a few weeks with family, or just escaping the tourist chaos for a bit. Your house stays behind. Silent. Warm. And in the corner: that one monstera, your beloved kentia, maybe even a few defiant little cuttings. They look at you the way a dog might—only with leaves. And you think, “They’ll be fine.” Spoiler: they often aren’t. Which is why I’ve put together this little guide: How your plants can survive the summer in Spain.

Group your plants together (and out of direct sun)

Plants are like people: they enjoy company. By placing them closer together, they create a mini jungle climate—helping to keep the humidity up just enough. But be warned: no sunbathing in full sunlight. Especially on the south or west side of Spanish homes, the light in May is already brutal. So:

• Filter the light with a curtain or sheer fabric
• Lower the shutters halfway
• And if possible, move them about a metre away from the window

Speaking from experience: my areca palm once looked like it had spent three hours in a deep fryer.

Watering? Better smart than generous

The classic mistake: drowning your plants right before you leave “just to be safe.” Don’t.

Much better: give them a thorough, slow watering 24 hours in advance, so the soil can absorb it evenly. And after that:

• Add clay pebbles on top to reduce evaporation
• Place a damp cloth under the pot to create gentle capillary action
• Or, if you know the system: a capillary mat with a water reservoir

Plants with sturdy roots, like monsteras, can happily draw from that for a week. Palms like humid air—but not a swamp. Trust me.

That upside-down bottle trick? Test it first!

Yes, you can stick a water bottle upside down into the soil. But test the system first. Sometimes it empties overnight, sometimes it does absolutely nothing for three weeks. And if your potting soil is too compact, it won’t work at all. I only use it with big plants in proper pots—and only when I’m there to keep an eye on it. Otherwise, it feels like asking the cat to watch the birdhouse.

A plant-sitter: the best system there is

Got someone willing to drop by? Brilliant. But don’t hand them a novel. Short and clear works best:

• Stick a finger in the soil: dry? Water. Still moist? Leave it alone.
• Only water the plants that really look thirsty.
• And place one plant right by the front door, in plain sight. Psychologically, that does work.

I always leave a handwritten note. My golden rule: “If in doubt, look at the palm. It never lies.”

Golden rule: better a bit thirsty than waterlogged

Even in Spain, plants can survive three weeks of summer with a bit less water and light. What they can’t survive? Heat, sun, and soggy roots all at once. So never leave a saucer full of water under a pot. Keep it airy, keep it steady—and above all, keep it simple.

Finally

A home with character has plants with personality. And they deserve to survive your absence without trauma. With a bit of planning, they’ll be just fine. And when you return, they’ll still be there. Quiet. Greener. And just a little proud.