I’ve discovered the best way to keep your houseplants alive while you’re away — and it’s from IKEA

(Image credit: IKEA) Heading on vacation should mean excitement, not worrying if your houseplants will survive while you’re away. But for plant lovers, the dread of coming home to a drooping peace lily or spider plant can often overshadow the joy of getting away.IKEA has come to the rescue with an ingenious planter that keeps your houseplants hydrated, even in the heat of summer. What’s more, the self-watering planters start from as little as $5, making them an affordable option.Your holiday house sitter (Image credit: IKEA)Although you can follow tips to keep your houseplants alive while you’re on vacation, these self-watering planters are an excellent idea and will ensure your precious plants are cared for while you are away. Think of them as your plant house sitter.The pots are easy to use. You can plant directly into the plant pot or within an inner pot. And watering is easy. Pour the water into the opening on the side and watch out for the maximum indicator level, to ensure you don’t overfill the pot. You can then easily track the water level through the frosted semi-transparent saucer. (Image credit: IKEA)So how does IKEA’s self-watering planter work? There’s a wick at the bottom that soaks up the water, keeping the soil or inner pot moist. It works like a drip watering system, slowly sending water to the plant’s roots without drenching them in one go. If you plant using an inner pot, IKEA recommends placing a layer of clay pebbles underneath the wick to ensure the soil and water are in contact.I think the self-watering planters are an excellent idea, whether you are away on holiday or not. They really come into their own during the hotter months, especially if you are forgetful, as your houseplants will need watering more frequently.What’s more, these IKEA VÅRDTRÄD self-watering plant pots are available in six sizes, ranging from the smallest pot with a diameter of 3 ½-inches for $5, to the largest measuring 12 ½-inches for $39.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. (Image credit: Future)Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!More from Tom's Guide I stopped making these 9 plant ‘care’ mistakes and now my plants are thrivingForget high-maintenance houseplants: A DIY terrarium is a gorgeous centerpiece that thrives on neglectMy tomato plants were dropping flowers — then I tried this 2-second pollination hack Camilla is the Homes Staff Writer and covers everything to do with homes and gardens. She has a wealth of editorial experience, mounting over 30 years, and covers news and features, tests products for reviews and compiles buying guides. Her work has appeared in business and consumer titles, including Ideal Home, Real Homes, House Beautiful, Homebuilding & Renovation, and Kitchen & Bathroom Business. She’s even appeared on the cover of Your Home, writing about her own house renovation. Although she’s obsessed with decorating her home, she also enjoys baking and trying out the latest kitchen appliances. But when she’s not inside, you’ll find her pottering about in her yard, tending to her vegetable patch or taking in her prized hydrangeas.