Relocation can be especially hard on house plants, being that they are a living, breathing organisms that require special care. Now, depending on where you are moving, you may need to do a little more prep work to ensure your plants arrive safely. You can always ask your residential movers Los Angeles for assistance, as they have expertise in all moving-related tasks. Still, here is our take on it when it comes to moving your house plants.
Make sure to go through regulations and growing conditions first
In case you are moving plants across state lines, you need to do some research. Certain states have strict requirements pertaining to houseplants. States that have ti especially strict are:
- California
- Oregon
- Washington
- Arizona
- Florida
Now, this is not an extensive list, so make sure to check your new home state’s requirements before relocating houseplants. Make sure to take into consideration the climate of your new home. As you probably know, some plants tend to struggle with humidity or the lack of it.
Packing houseplants properly before the move
Having that they are rather delicate in nature, it is important that you know how to pack your houseplants properly. With the right supplies, you will be able to prevent your potted plants and cuttings from spilling out and breaking.
The packing supplies you will need
Knowing how to pack your plants for moving will not do you much unless you have the right supplies. Apart from the typical moving boxes, paper, and bubble wrap, you will need some plastic pots, sterilized potting soil, plastic bags, paper towels, flea collars, and sphagnum moss.
Prepare potted plants for the move
Before we delve into the preparation of your plants for the move, we have to note that you should not expect to do this in a single day. If you are short on time, see that you hire some moving companies West Los Angeles has to offer for assistance. Still, if you have some time to spare, here is what you ought to do three weeks before moving day:
- Repot the houseplants into the lightweight plastic pots that have sterilized potting soil. This will make them tremendously easier to carry when you move.
- Pack the ceramic pots just like you would any other fragile item.
- One week prior to moving day, prune the plants. Removing dying pieces and cutting back additional foliage allows the plant to stay healthy, and it’s going to need all the help it can get in the period that is ahead.
- Water each plant three days before the moving day. This will allow them to get all the water they need without being too damp during the move and leak water.
- Since houseplants can harbor pests that states don’t want you to bring across the state lines, it would be wise to place a flea collar around the pot, as it will draw out any critters.
Packing each plant
- Come moving day, place plastic bags over each pot, and tie it at the base of the plant. This will serve the purpose of preventing soil from spilling in your vehicle and making a mess.
- Place each plant in a moving box, while paying attention that the larger ones are alone in their packages. If you decide to put the smaller ones in a single box, make sure there is no room for them to shift. Use packing paper or bubble sheets to fill the spaces between the box and the pots.
- If you find stackability important, loosely seal the box and poke a few holes in the top and sides, allowing your plants to breathe.
Moving your house plants in the garden
If you want to move the plants in the garden, a great way to go about it is by taking a cutting of the plant. Simply make a clean cut on the bush or flower that gives you cutting between three and six inches long. You should then wrap the cut with wet paper towels, and use a rubber band to secure it. Place them in a box with your other houseplants, or plant it in a plastic pot with moist potting soil. Make sure to cover the pot loosely in plastic to keep it humid, and then pack it in a box with the other houseplants.
The process of moving your house plants
Now that we have covered the essential part, we can move to the next step of this process. Keep in mind that there are a handful of options available. Which one you go for depends on your situation and personal preferences.
Choosing a method of transport
Probably the best method of transporting plants is to use your own vehicle or cab to move them. Houseplants have access to sunlight this way, and you can control the temperature, thus keeping them from getting too hot or cold. While even the most professional moving companies can refuse to move houseplants, you can still find some that will. Just remember that putting plants in the moving truck exposes them to the elements and the risk of breaking. However, you can go for this option if you have a short distance move in mind.
Keep your eyes open
When moving your house plants, it is important to check on them throughout the trip, especially if it’s a long one. For example, you may need to adjust them so that they receive more or less sunlight. If you notice they are drying out, give them a bit of water, but don’t overfill the pot. If you are traveling for more than one day, and need to stay at a hotel, see that you take the plants with you. This will protect them from drastic temperature changes which often prove to be detrimental to their health.