When people move they generally bring along everything they value or hold dear, meaning they bring their house pets and even their houseplants if at all possible. Traveling with plants presents some fairly obvious challenges, and with a little advanced planning, such issues can be easily addressed.
Unfortunately, not all moving scenarios can allow for the safe transportation of houseplants or even of garden clippings and this must be addressed long before moving day arrives. For example, when moving a great distance it may be virtually impossible to pack up plants for the journey. In such cases it is a good idea to ask friends or family members to take possession of them, and if this is not possible it is a good idea to ask at local nursing homes, community centers and even high schools or colleges to see if there is any interest in the plants.
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Additionally, for those who are flying to their new homes, transporting plants in a moving van or aboard a plane are not likely to be a feasible answer, and unfortunately many airlines frown on the transportation of plant cuttings as well. This will also mean that house plants are going to need a new home prior to the move.
If, however, a relocation is possible there are many steps that can be taken to ensure the safety and well being of both house and garden plants. If the plants are to be transported in a car or rented moving van (moving companies will not insure plants of any kind) the owner should prepare the plants by doing the following:
• Several weeks in advance it is a good idea to repot
all plants into lightweight plastic containers, pruning back
where necessary
• The day before moving day each plant should be placed in an appropriately sized box that has been lined with plastic (in case of water leaks)
• Each boxed plant should be stabilized with wadded up bubble wrap or foam to prevent the plant from toppling over against the interior of the box and breaking or being damaged
• Tall plants or potted trees which are too large for a box can be secured within a large, clear plastic bag that has adequate air holes. These will usually find a stable location on the floor of the back seat of a car or truck.
• If the move involves a few days of driving it is important to monitor the health of the plants, watering whenever necessary and paying attention to day and night time temperatures in the car or van. The journey will be fairly stressful on the plants and maintaining a safe and steady temperature will ensure their health.
• Garden plants should not be dug up and removed, as this is unfair to a new homebuyer, but clippings can safely be taken to the new location. Use small floral tubes (like those from a florist) filled with water, and insert the cuttings immediately. These tubes must have their caps on them and be kept in the same conditions as the houseplants in order to ensure their safe arrival in the new location.
• Once at the new home, remove the plants from their
containers as soon as possible, watering and feeding them if
necessary. Allow all plants and clippings to acclimate for several
days, and don’t repot the houseplants for another two
to three weeks.