Just Root up and Leave: Long Distance Moves for Plants

Moving is hard on everyone: the kids, your pets and your sanity.  It is especially hard on plants, because in no way are plants evolved to be mobile. Trees don't just root up and leave as the saying goes. It will take all the powers of your green thumb that helped cultivate your house plants to make them have a successful move.  Even if you are careful as possible, you may lose a plant or two. Let us guide you through this difficult process.


Step 1: Are you allowed to move your plant to a new home? 


Different state regulations limit which plants you are allowed or not allowed to move. Research what your new state or currents state's laws are regarding moving house plants before you decide which ones you actually can move. If you are making an international move there is a chance you will probably not be able to take your plants sadly. Investigate what the rules are, but it is probably a better idea to give the plants away. If you have no friends or family in the area ask your neighbors or you can donate them to local nursing homes.

The reasoning behind these rules is that your plants can bring foreign parasites and diseases to a different location which can be very harmful to the environment. One of the most harmful and current examples of something via plants is the spreading of the Gyspy Moths in the United States. They have been spreading through out the United States every since their accidental introduction from Asia. Gypsy Moths are unhealthy for plant-life and inconvenient for humans. That is why some sates requires that certain plants get a Gypsy Moth Inspection certification for you to move them there.
Before moving you will need to switch out the soil of your plant.  In almost every state it is required that your house plant have sterile soil. You will need to switch out the soil you have to sterilized potting soil when moving.  This type of soil can be purchased at most garden shops.

Step 2: Actually Moving the Plants


Now the time has come to actually physically move the plants.  You will need to start this process three weeks before moving day ideally. If you haven't thought about this until last minute, it is okay. Just condense the steps to get through the move.

So on week one you will want to repot your plants into moving containers.  This is when you will switch the plant's soil to sterilized potting soil. Moving containers for plants mean plastic containers versus any clay or decorative plots. The reason for this is so that your pots won't break during the move. Also, plastic containers are a lot lighter than their clay counter parts.  It is recommended that you stay with the same pot size if at all possible, because changing the pot size can be very harmful to the plant.

The next week you will want to prune your plants that are bigger. Pruning plants allows for maximization of the health of the plant. You will want your plant to be in it's healthiest state when you move.To prune you simply pinch newer limbs and leaves on the plants with your thumb and forefinger. That is it! One thing to keep in mind is some plants do not respond well to pruning. Research the particular plant to make sure that you do not damage any plants.

A week before the move you will want to check your plant for bugs and insects. It is probably wise to spray your plant with insecticide, but not absolutely necessary. You do not want to carry any foreign insects to the new place you are traveling.

Now here comes the big day, the moving day. You will want to wrap your houseplants with tissue paper or an old sheet to help prevent damage to the plant. To transport the plants you will want to put them all in boxes. By placing paper around the pots you can prevent the plants from shaking around during the move. You will want to punch air holes in the side of the box to help the plant to breathe. When the box is packed into the moving vehicle, make sure they are placed upright. If you follow these directions carefully your plants should be okay for up to a three day move.

NOTICE: Keep in mind watering is vital before the move. An over-watered or under-watered plants can cause the plant to die during the dark transportation.

Now that you are finally on the road to your new home you will need to give minor attention to the plants. If you are transporting the plants in your car do not transport them in the trunk if at all possible! This is the worse thing that you could do to a plant, because conditions are hot, dark and extra bumpy. You will want to give plants occasional access to fresh air and make sure the temperature does not drop too low. You will not have to worry about watering the plants on the way. If you get a chance overnight let the plants out in your room and open the box so they are exposed to some light.

Once you arrive at your new home the plants will be one of the first things that you want to unpack. When you unpack them remove them from the bottom of the box. This will help you to prevent damaging leaves and branches. Slide them out gently. Choose spots for your plants where you they will flourish, do not move them around much in the first week until they are acclimated to their new home.