By: Plant Answers

When moving to a new location, you might not want to abandon your botanical friends.

However, taking your plants with you can seem far more challenging than leaving them at your old place. Relocating with plants requires extra care, consideration, and effort. 

You can’t just toss a potted plant in your trunk and hit the road. Instead, you need to prepare your plants, protect them from climate differences, and ensure they thrive during the move. 

If you are unsure where to start, we’ve got you covered. Here’s your ultimate guide to moving your plants across the country, ensuring they stay happy and healthy during the journey.

Understand Legal Regulations

Before packing up your plants, check if you can legally transport them across borders. 

You might be surprised to learn that some regions restrict the movement of certain plant species to prevent the spread of pests and diseases that could harm local ecosystems. For instance, the US Department of Agriculture prohibits the transport of plants that fall under the category of banned species or fail pest inspections.  

Therefore, you need to research the regulations in your destination state and obtain any necessary documents or certificates from your local agriculture department. This will ensure your plant won’t be confiscated or destroyed upon arrival.

Get Your Plants Ready

Before the big day, take time to prepare your plants. Start by pruning them, except for succulents, cacti, and ferns, which are better left as they are.

Next, check for insects or pests. Even if you don’t find any, it’s a good idea to spray insecticides before the move. 

Once this is done, transfer your plants from heavy and breakable pots to plastic boxes or containers that are lighter and easier to carry.  

Remember to water your plants thoroughly a couple of days before moving, but avoid watering them on the day of the move. Wet soil can make pots heavy and lead to spills or damage.

Professional Movers for Your Plants

When moving across the country, especially with plants, hiring a cross-country moving company can be a game-changer. 

These companies handle the transport of your belongings, alleviating much of the stress associated with moving. This allows you to focus on caring for your plants. 

While the moving company takes care of everything from heavy lifting to transporting your belongings, you can keep an eye on your plants by keeping them with you in your trunk.

Entrusting professionals with your move enables you to give your plants the care while relocating to your new home.

Shipping Options

If you want to travel with peace of mind without worrying about delicate leaves falling off or branches getting damaged, consider shipping your plants. 

Shipping plants is a safer option for long-distance moves, as these services are dedicated to safely transporting your beloved plants. They have facilities to control humidity, temperature, and climate to ensure your plants arrive in good condition.

However, you need to pack your plants carefully to minimize risks. Transfer your plants from their original pots to a box, filling the extra space with newspaper or bubble wrap to prevent movement during the journey. 

After sealing the box, label it with “Live Plant,” “This End Up,” or “Fragile” to ensure careful handling during transit. 

Climatic Considerations

Checking climatic conditions before the move is essential to ensuring your plant’s survival. This is important even for indoor plants, which can be affected by dry or moist environments. 

Additionally, it is better to gradually introduce your plant to their new climate by initially keeping them in a controlled environment. 

Remember, summer might not be the time to move your plants, as high temperatures and intense sunlight can cause stress and dehydration.

Summary

With a little effort and attention to detail, you can make the transition to your new home smoother for both you and your plants. Whether you’re preparing your plants for the move or choosing the transportation method, take your time to do it right.

If your plant is too large to carry or if state laws prevent you from taking it with you, consider gifting it to a good friend who will appreciate it.

Published by: Martin De Juan