Plants as Long-Distance Transport

So, you've decided to move, and you're staring lovingly at your indoor house plants and budding outdoor shrubs, wondering how you'll successfully transport them to your new home. Plants can make the trip, even if it's across the country, though it isn't as simple as packing up your belongings and throwing them in a truck. You need only get ready.

The Ultimate Plant Relocation Checklist

Take some precautions before moving day to make sure your plants are not only in the best shape possible, but also safe from any damage that could occur in transit.

☐  Get rid of any browning or dying foliage that could be harming your plant.

You should water thoroughly but not excessively in the days leading up to your move.

Replace bulky, breakable pots with lightweight, stackable plastic containers.

Prevent soil from spilling out of the pot by taping cardboard over it and securing the excess tape to the pot before leaving (remove the tape as soon as you get there).

On the Way

Fasten your seatbelts

You, too, but we're also talking about the vegetation. Bubble wrap can be used to protect the bottoms of smaller ones before they are placed in an open cardboard box. Put your precious cargo of plant life in the box, then buckle it in like a person.

Keep an eye on the thermostat.

Whether or not a plant can survive extreme heat or cold is highly dependent on the specifics of the plant in question. The ideal situation would be to keep the plant container in the front seat, where you have complete control over the temperature and humidity.

☐ Water

It's possible that, depending on how long your trip is, you'll need to water the plants. Soil needs to be kept at a constant moisture level, so bring along a refillable bottle and stop for refills as necessary.

It's important to keep in mind that the soil's temperature and moisture levels shouldn't be too hot or too cold.

Moves across state lines involving plant life

Some states have stringent requirements that must be met before you can relocate your plants. Yes, if you are caught transporting plants and flowers, your goods may be subject to inspection, quarantine, or outright rejection. However, it is rational because it safeguards state agriculture, particularly in states that rely heavily on crop production. The essential information is as follows:

• To learn the rules, contact the state's Department of Agriculture.
• The soil may need to be replaced occasionally.
• Investigate the possibility of shipping the plant, as there may be special requirements.
• In light of this issue, you should be aware that some movers will not handle any plants at all.

Plants That Fare Well in Transit

• Among bromeliads, the Puyah variety is known for its extreme durability.
• Despite their reputation for needing constant moisture, aloe plants actually thrive in dry soil and only require weekly irrigation.
• All gardeners, no matter their experience level, will benefit from this Jade.
• Rabbit's Ears are a fuzzy, cute plant that is better able to retain water than similar looking plants.
• Cactus—Need I explain? Useful when trekking through the scorching desert sun.
• This is a Sansevieria (Ribbon Plant), which is compact and simple to move.

Not-So-Portable flora

• Ctenanthe – It cannot survive outside of its optimum conditions of light, water, and temperature.
• Calathea Ornata - Does not fare well in cold, dry weather when transported.
• This woodland plant, the autumn fern, will perish if it is exposed to too much sunlight through a car window.

Relocating Hefty Plants

There are few plant types more challenging to relocate than those with large pots. Some things we've learned over the years to make moving less of a hassle are listed below.

• Use trash bags to enclose the foundation, keeping the dirt and moisture in.
• To move large, heavy plants around, you should use a plant dolly.
• Extra sturdiness in the form of bungee cords or tree stakes is recommended for taller plants that could topple over otherwise.
• If you need help moving heavier plants, ask for assistance.

Rather than seeds, take cuttings of plants to spread.

Perhaps the roots of your most treasured plant are too set in the soil of your backyard for you to uproot it and bring it with you. Worry not Like baby Groot, you can often just snag a stem, bring it indoors, and reroot it.

• Clip a section of the specimen that appears to be in good health and has plenty of water.
• A rooting powder can be used, but it is usually unnecessary.
• Fill a shallow tray with at least 1 12 inches of potting soil (the carboard squares used for packing candles from a company like Goose Creek are perfect for this if you've ever ordered from them) and set it in a sunny location. )
• Dig a tiny hole and drop the stem in, then use some of the soil around it for support.
• When traveling, make sure to keep it moist and out of the sun.
• All of the cardboard can be planted in your new yard once it has taken root.

If all else fails, find someone who will love your plant as much as you do and give it to them as a gift. However, we have a hunch that your trans"plant" will go smoothly.

Extra Tips From a Few of Our Adoring Audience Members

I thought you might be interested in hearing how my cross-country trip with 87 house plants fared A lot of you mentioned that you were about to embark on a journey similar to mine, so I figured I'd share some advice and let you learn from my mistakes. Included in my collection are pothos, monstera, fiddle leaf figs, birds of paradise, snake plants, philodendrons, palms, ferns, and banana trees. My plants are all still breathing, albeit with a few scratches here and there, so I guess I did a good job.

First, I packed my SUV full of my prized plants and the bulk of my smaller plants. Nothing but potted plants in the SUV. It was SLAMMED.

Constantly blasting air conditioning A break for food Don't turn off the car's air conditioning if you plan on leaving it in the heat. Relax in the restroom Do not turn off the engine

The third step was to cover the back windows with paper. You shouldn't let the sun's rays scorch your houseplants.

Fourth, give your plants a good soaking a day before

Fold the top of the pot gently to encourage the growth of long trailing pothos.

6 Put a tarp or trash bags on the floor and fold down the seats.

7. Pack the plants as closely as possible, protecting the fragile pots from breaking by placing a blanket or cushion between each one.

Travel during the day, and if you find yourself needing to stop for the night, open the windows. Only pausing during the night Move on with your trip before morning light. (Keep this in mind, it's crucial.)

9. The most difficult was not being able to transport my large plants in my SUV.

Ten. We rented a U-Haul and set it up. A non-sealed u-haul Close quarters in a trailer can be deadly for plants.

Eleven. We put down big trees, and we used bungee cords to keep the pots steady.

We covered the trailer with two tarps, one over the top and one over the sides, but we left the rear open.

Essential Elements, No. 13 In order to increase ventilation, a few holes should be poked in the tarp at the front of the trailer.

The tarp wasn't pulled tight enough, and I got some scrapes and bruises on my palms, which is the only thing I'd change. They'll be okay, but it could have been avoided.

We also hit a snag on the way, which forced us to wait it out in the sun for 30 minutes. Even with air conditioning, the intense Kansas sun was too much for the plants in the trailer.