Moving Plants

Preparing Your Plants

Like any living thing, plants require special attention. If you're moving long-distance, you'll want to move plants in a temperature-controlled environment such as your car. Extreme temperatures and lack of fresh air in a moving van can be fatal to your plants.

Here are some tips for making sure your plants survive the trip to their new home:

Preparing Your Plants

3 Weeks Before Moving Day

Repot any plants in clay pots into unbreakable, plastic containers. The new pot should be big enough to hold the plant, without being too big. Jumping pot sizes can cause plants to respond poorly.

2 Weeks Before Moving Day

Prune larger plants. Pruning will make packing easier and produce healthy, bushy, compact, attractive houseplants. You can prune by simply pinching back newer growth with your thumb and forefinger.

1 Week Before Moving Day

Eliminate any insects or plant parasites. Pesticides may contain harmful chemicals so use them with care and always follow label directions.

Another way to kill pests is to put the entire plant in a black, plastic utility bag for about six hours with a bug/pest strip or an animal flea collar. Keep the bag in a cool, shady area. This method is environmentally safer for your home and your plant.

2 Days Before Moving Day

Make sure your plants are getting their normal dose of water. Keep in mind that during the winter months, roots saturated with moisture may freeze. In warmer weather, over watered plants are subject to damaging fungus growth during transit.

Moving Day

Pack your plants in the morning, or the night before. Conventional packing cartons are good for moving plants. A dish pack, available from the van line, has compartments that easily adapt to holding plants.

Securely anchor each plant to prevent slipping when the box is lifted or jostled during transit. To do this, place the pot in a box, making sure it fits snugly in the bottom. Use paper around the base of the pot to hold it in place. Next, cushion branches and leaves of the plant with soft paper. Moistened paper can be used for short periods; however, plants allowed to remain wet are more susceptible to disease.

Finally, punch air holds in the sides of the box and loosely fastens the lid. Set the boxes upright and clearly mark the lids to avoid putting them into the van with the furniture and your other belongings. If you follow this procedure, your plants will be ready to travel safely for up to four days.

Rules & Regulations Regarding Plants

Many states regulate the transportation of certain plants. Some states even require a "Gypsy Moth Inspection Certificate." Traditionally, California, Arizona, and Florida have the most rigid restrictions. Check with your State Department of Agriculture or Department of Natural Resources to find out the rules and regulations of your destination state.

If you find out that you cannot take your plants along, consider taking cuttings instead. Place them in a sterile mix, or in a plastic bag with damp cotton or paper towel. The cuttings should survive several days' travel and be ready to take root in your new home.