How to Move Houseplants

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how to move houseplants

The moving process takes a lot of careful planning, and one thing you need to plan is how you are going to move your houseplants. You have spent months taking care of your plants, and you do not want to move to cause any damage to your botanical friends. The following tips are designed to help figure out how to move houseplants to their new home.

  • Prepare Your Plants: It is best to start preparing your plants several weeks before the move. You want to get rid of the dead leaves and branches and be sure to prune your plants. Get rid of the dust, weeds, and pests one week before the move. You should also take the current season into consideration when moving. If you are moving in the winter, give them one last watering several days in advance to keep the soil dry. Are you moving in the summer? You want to give the plants enough water on moving day and during the drive.
  • Learn How To Pack Your Plants: When you move houseplants to their new home, it is best to keep their well-being in mind when packing them up. One option is to re-pot the plants in lightweight plastic pots instead of moving them inside their heavy planters and pots. You can also use newspaper or special nursery sleeves to protect your plants from the weather and other elements. Be sure to cushion each plant in a sturdy box because too much movement can cause damage.
  • Be Mindful Of The Temperature: It is best to transport your plants in a climate-controlled vehicle, and do not leave them in the car if you are staying at a hotel for the night. Remember, exposure to extremely cold temperatures will cause damage to your plants. Limit their exposure to cold temperatures by loading and unloading them as fast as possible.
  • Keep Your Plants With You: The best way to protect your plants is to keep them with you, and this is why you should move house plants in your own vehicle rather than a moving truck. You want to hold your plants or keep them on the floor of your vehicle to ensure they will not fall over. Once again, keep your car at the right temperature for your plants. Do not leave them in the car for more than one hour without watering them and slightly opening the windows. When you transport your plants to and from your vehicle, make sure you keep the movement at a minimum so you do not damage them.
  • Expect Some Trauma: Even if you follow all the steps for preparing, packing and transporting your plants, you should still expect a little trauma. You may notice a few yellow or dropped leaves from the transition, but this is a normal part of moving your houseplants. Your plants need to adjust to the change of environment in their new home.
  • Help Your Plants Adjust: When you move houseplants, you need to help them adjust to their new home. Start by opening the boxes to give your plants some air, but leave them inside their boxes for several hours to minimize the shock of the move. You may have to re-pot your plant into a lighter or heavier mix of soil to help them adjust to their new surroundings. If you need advice on what type of soil to use, you can always ask someone at the closest nursery to your home.

You want to make sure you move houseplants in a safe manner so your botanical friends survive the transition.