The time for your move is here. There will be a lot of packing to do. After all, in a relocation one move their whole life to a different location. This will include anything from electronics, furniture, art to clothes and such. Naturally (no pun intended) it will include moving your plants as well. After all, you have spent so much time taking care of them and nurturing them. It would be silly to leave them behind. Moving your plants might seem easy at first glance. Just pack and ship them, right? Well not exactly. Living things such as they are, they will require a bit more attention. If you really get into it, you might find there’s much more finesse to it. Normally this would mean a lot more research for you to do. However, we compiled this article to help you out. So, please, enjoy!
What to keep in mind before moving your plants
Like we mentioned above, moving your plants will require you to look into the topic a bit. There are considerations to keep in mind and hurdles to avoid. Luckily for you, we sat down and went through them and here they are:
The environment of your new home
The most important thing you need to think of when moving your plants is the environment of your new home. In short distance relocations, this may not have such a big impact. However, if you’re moving cross country or even internationally, you could end up in a vastly different climate than the one you started in. While it’s not such a big shock for the human body, some plants will have a harder time adapting to these changes. So, make sure you research for each plant you move the type of climate they can handle.
When moving your plants take care that they can thrive in your new home.
After all, moving a plat that you took care of for a long time only to see it wither away upon arrival won’t help you cope with the moving stress at all. Another thing to consider is the lighting conditions in your new home. This consideration fits in with another one – how much space you have in your new home. Just think rationally about this. There would be no point in moving a plant that realistically cannot fit or make it in your new home. That could also force you to throw it away, which only means you will be spending time and money transporting a plant you won’t keep.
Moving potted plants
Another thing to consider before moving your plants is the preparations this would entail. There’s also the fact that plants are fragile and it would be smart to let them adjust for some time. First of all, it depends on whether you are moving a potted or a planted plant. Potted plants are generally speaking easier to move. It would be smart to first move them to a plastic pot, especially if they are in heavy or decorative pots. This would reduce the danger of the pot breaking and allow you to wash it and properly pack it for the move. To allow your plant to adjust to its new home for the move, you should do this about three weeks before moving day. Just make sure that you use the pots of the same size, as moving a plant to a smaller pot might damage it.
Potted plants are best moved in plastic pots.
Moving plants in soil
Moving a plant that is planted in the soil is a bit more complicated. For really large plants it would be most advisable to consult or hire a professional horticulturist before moving it. Just like with moving your plants that are potted, it would be smart to prepare them well before the move. If you decide to do it yourself, here are some steps you can take to make sure it is done right
- Dig up the plant in a way that keeps the root base intact as much as possible
- Keep the roots moist by wrapping them in a damp cloth. Do not use a wet cloth or too much moisture as this can lead to rotting.
- Once dug up, keep the plant in a shaded area and try to move it as little as possible.
If you are moving in a way that includes you renting a portable storage container keep in mind the humidity inside. As before, too much moisture will damage your plants. Same goes for a too dry of an environment, though the damp cloth should prevent any damage from occurring. Just make sure to keep it moisturized.
Pruning
Another smart thing to do before moving your plants would be to prune them. This will lead to two benefits. Firstly, you will have a much easier time packing them. Secondly, it will make your plants grow stronger and lusher after the move. Pruning is advisable with all kind of plants except ferns and cacti. To let your plant adjust, prune it some two weeks before the move.
Other considerations when moving your plants
Apart from the things you should keep in mind before moving your plants, there are some more considerations to think about here. First of all, if you are moving interstate you will want to check your plants for parasites. It would be smart to do anyway to make sure that you’re moving your plant clean and to help it survive the move. In addition to that, certain parasites, like the Asian gypsy moth, if found, will lead to your plant being impounded. Apart from the possibility of losing your plant, hauling this parasitic moth is dangerous as it is known to cause widespread deforestation.
Watch out for parasites and invasive species when moving your plants to avoid causing ecological damage.
If you’re moving internationally, there will be even more considerations. Make sure that you research the legality of moving a specific plant type to the country of your destination. Some plant species that may be normal to your old home will be considered invasive in other countries which can again lead to you losing it at the border.
Moving your plants right
After reading through this article you should be equipped for moving your plants right. It is a complicated process as you can see. However, if you take your time and do your research you will be all set. And just like that, before you know it, you will have a living, breathing piece of your old home, in your new one!