Moving can be a stressful time for both people and plants. If you’re a plant lover, you understand the connection you have with your greenery and want to ensure that they thrive in their new environment.
The process of transporting plants during a move can be tricky, but with the right care and attention, it’s entirely possible to move your plants safely and help them adjust to their new home.
Whether you’re moving a few blocks away or across the country, the goal is to keep your plants healthy and thriving throughout the transition. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to move your plants so they survive the journey and continue to flourish once they’re settled in their new environment.
Preparing Plants for the Move: Watering Timing
One of the most important steps in moving plants is preparing them properly in the days leading up to the move. Watering your plants at the right time is crucial to ensure they remain healthy without causing issues during transportation. The key is to find the right balance—your plants shouldn’t be too dry, but they also shouldn’t be too wet.
Water your houseplants a few days before the move, depending on the season. If you’re moving during the summer, it’s best to water your plants one to two days before the move. This timing allows the soil to dry out slightly, making the plants lighter and reducing the chances of water leakage during transportation. On the other hand, during the winter months, it’s advisable to water your plants three to four days before the move. The cooler temperatures mean that the soil retains moisture for longer, so you want to avoid overwatering.
By ensuring your plants are adequately hydrated but not waterlogged, you reduce the risk of soggy soil causing root rot or other damage. After watering, it’s a good idea to cover your plants when they’re outdoors to protect them from the elements. Plant leaves can quickly burn if they are used to being inside and then sit outside in the hot sun. Unusual weather conditions like strong winds, heavy rain, or extreme heat can damage your plants, so keeping them sheltered during this time is essential.
Before you move all of your houseplants, thoroughly inspect them for pests, such as mealybugs or spider mites . Even if you don’t find evidence of pests on your plants, apply a dose of insecticidal soap as a precaution before moving.
Protecting Plants and Pots: Packaging and Padding
When it comes to moving plants, protecting the pots and the plants themselves is vital. Pots can be one of the most expensive parts of your plant collection, especially if you’ve invested in decorative or ceramic options. To ensure that your pots survive the move without breaking, take the time to properly pad and protect them.
Start by wrapping the pots in bubble wrap or a protective material to cushion them against impact. During a move, pots can easily hit each other or other objects, leading to cracks or breaks. By securely wrapping each pot, you create a buffer that helps absorb any shocks or impacts. If a pot breaks during the move, it can expose the plant’s roots to the elements, which can be detrimental to the plant’s survival.
In addition to protecting the pots, you’ll also want to make sure that your plants are well-protected. Use materials you already have at home, such as dish towels, old clothing, or newspaper, to create padding around the plants in their boxes. If you prefer more specialized protection, you can get paper sleeves from a local garden center. These sleeves help gather up the foliage and prevent breakage during the move. Another option is to use plastic tubs with lids to transport your plants securely. Also consider the nature of the plants leaves. A cactus for instance can be difficult to move, so ensure they are wrapped safely to avoid getting spiked!
By creating a snug and padded environment for your plants, you can minimize the risk of damage to both the pots and the plants themselves. This extra care ensures that your plants arrive at their new home in good condition, ready to thrive.
Transporting Houseplants: Choosing the Right Vehicle and Conditions
The actual process of transporting your plants requires careful consideration, particularly when it comes to choosing the right vehicle and ensuring the proper conditions during the move. Houseplants are sensitive to environmental changes, so it’s essential to protect them from extreme temperatures, wind, and sunlight.
Whenever possible, transport your plants inside a covered vehicle, such as the cab of a moving truck or within an air-conditioned car. This helps maintain a stable temperature and prevents your plants from being exposed to the elements. Avoid transporting plants in open vehicles like the back of a pick-up truck, even for short trips. Exposing your plants to wind, sun, and fluctuating temperatures can be as damaging as subjecting them to severe weather conditions.
When loading your plants into the vehicle, try to move them out of your old home last and into your new home first. This minimizes the amount of time they spend outside in potentially harsh conditions. Plants should not be exposed to direct sunlight for more than a couple of minutes, as this can lead to sunburn on their leaves. Sunburned leaves develop brown spots that can hinder the plant’s growth and overall health.
Houseplants generally do not fare well in temperatures over 80 degrees, which is why it’s important to keep them cool and shaded during the move. If you’re moving during the summer, take extra precautions to ensure that your plants are not left in hot cars or exposed to excessive heat. Conversely, if you’re moving in the winter, protect your plants from cold drafts and ensure they are not exposed to freezing temperatures.
Use the overhead grab handles in your vehicle for hanging planters and baskets or temporarily place plants into macrame hangers just for the ride. Make DIY plant hangers from string or yarn.
Gently wrap vining hanging plants and place them on the top of the pot. This will ensure that the vines are not accidentally snapped, ripped, or snagged in transit.
By carefully choosing the right vehicle and conditions for transporting your plants, you can help them survive the journey and reduce the risk of damage or stress.
Helping Plants Adjust to Their New Environment
Once you’ve successfully moved your plants to their new home, the next step is helping them adjust to their new environment. Moving can be stressful for plants, and they may go into shock after the transition. However, with the right care and attention, you can help your plants acclimate and continue to thrive in their new surroundings.
During the first watering after moving, consider using a plant supplement such as B-1, which helps plants cope with the stress of relocation. This supplement can reduce the effects of shock and support your plants as they settle into their new environment. Additionally, monitor your plants closely for signs of stress, such as wilting or leaf drop, and adjust your care routine as needed.
One of the most important factors in helping your plants adjust is finding the right location for them in your new home. Try to replicate the conditions they were accustomed to in your old home as closely as possible. For example, if a plant thrived in a bright, sunny spot before, find a similar location in your new space. On the other hand, if a plant did well in a shaded area, avoid placing it in direct sunlight.
Keep in mind that some plants may shed a few leaves after the move, especially delicate varieties. This is a normal response to the stress of relocation and is usually nothing to worry about. As long as your plants continue to put out new growth and eventually bloom, they are on the road to recovery.
By providing your plants with the right care and environment, you can help them adjust to their new home and continue to thrive for years to come.
Special Considerations for Moving Large or Fragile Plants
While many houseplants can be easily packed and transported, larger or more fragile plants may require special attention during the move. For tall plants, such as fiddle-leaf figs or indoor trees, it’s important to protect both the pot and the foliage during transportation. Wrapping the base of the plant in bubble wrap or padding can prevent damage to the pot, while loosely tying the branches or leaves together can reduce the risk of breakage.
If you have particularly fragile plants, such as succulents or orchids, you may need to take extra precautions. These plants are often more sensitive to temperature changes and rough handling, so it’s important to create a stable and protected environment for them during the move. Placing fragile plants in individual boxes or containers with plenty of padding can help prevent damage.
For plants that are too large to transport in a car, consider hiring a professional moving service that specializes in transporting plants. These companies have experience handling delicate foliage and can ensure that your plants arrive safely at their new destination. While this option may be more expensive, it’s worth considering for plants that are particularly valuable or difficult to replace. If you’ve hired movers, they will not cover damage to plants. Plants are too fragile and are likely to suffer from the move. Some moving companies will not even allow plants on their trucks. Ask before you move if the company has any rules on plants.
By taking special care with larger or fragile plants, you can ensure that they survive the move and continue to thrive in their new environment.
Moving Plants with Care
Moving plants requires careful planning and attention, but with the right approach, you can successfully transport your beloved greenery to your new home. From preparing your plants in advance to protecting them during the move and helping them adjust afterward, each step of the process is crucial to their survival.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your plants remain healthy and vibrant throughout the transition. Whether you’re moving a small collection of houseplants or an entire indoor jungle, taking the time to move your plants with care will pay off in the long run. Your plants will continue to bring life and beauty to your new space, making it feel like home!