Updated Dec 2, 2022
Updated Dec 2, 2022
If you have a beautiful collection of houseplants, you’ve likely invested a lot of time and money into cultivating them. Understandably, you won’t want to leave your houseplants behind when you move. So, how can you pack and move your houseplants so that they stay safe and healthy during transit?
Here is our guide to packing and moving houseplants so that you can bring your houseplants on your move and rest easy knowing they’ll make it to your new house intact.
Before packing, you’ll want to research your new home’s location and if any of your current houseplants are banned from your new state or city. Different states have different regulations in place regarding houseplants.
Some stricter states include Arizona, Florida, Washington, Oregon, and California. However, we recommend checking the state’s Department of Agriculture website first before you begin packing to ensure your plants are allowed across state lines. We recommend checking any states you’ll be driving through as well in case you’re stopped at their borders.
Another thing to consider is your new home’s climate. Will your plants survive in this climate and the typical temperatures out there?
Check the hardiness zone and research whether or not your plants will survive in your new home. If the hardiness zone doesn’t match up with some of your plants, consider leaving them with friends and family. You may need to change how often you water your plants, purchase new hardware to care for them, or spray them for different types of pests.
While moving supplies like bubble wrap, moving boxes, and paper wrap will be helpful, you’ll need to invest in special plant moving supplies.
Gather the following supplies:
When packing houseplants, you’ll need at least three weeks to transition your plants so that they experience less shock and stress. Take the following steps starting several weeks out from your move date:
If you’re creating cuttings from your garden to pack, follow these steps:
After preparing your potted plants, take the following steps on the day of your move:
Can’t take your houseplants with you in the car? Here are a few other options for transferring houseplants to your new place:
After arriving at your new place, immediately tend to your plants before unpacking anything else.
Packing and moving your houseplants properly can be a lot of work. However, the color and life they add to any home are worth the investment. Take your time gathering needed supplies and researching what plants will thrive in your new home.
Don’t be afraid to leave a few houseplants with friends and family or donate them to a local retirement community, hospitals, or churches, if you’re unsure if they will survive the move or thrive in your new climate.
Once you’re at your new home, immediately tend to your indoor plants and give them some extra tender loving care to make up for the stress they endured during the move. They’ll bounce back soon enough!
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