You have taken good care of your house plants, and now you need to move them, which leaves you anxious. Like most plant enthusiasts, you likely never thought about it. However, it is easier to move plants than you think with some careful planning. Follow these steps to safely move your plants:
Prepare to Move the Plants
To move plants, gather:
Consider leaving some plants behind. This may sound difficult, but it is important to think about spacing and climate in your new place.
If you're moving to another state, contact the agricultural department to determine hat plants they allow. Some plant restrictions protect a from infestations of insects and plant diseases that could be problems in that state.
You may need to schedule a certified inspection for a phytosanitary certificate in case you get stopped at state borders. Insert the certificate in the box, if the plants are being transported separately form you.
Clean, Water, and Repot Plants
Schedule the plant move two to three weeks, so they have time to adjust to the new environment. Two or three days before you move the plants, check all plants for damaged foliage, and clip it to promote new growth. Ferns and succulents don't often need pruning.
Check them carefully for insects. To remedy the insect problem, transfer the plant to a container of around the same size. Repot plants well in advance, so they have time to adapt.
Cover the plants with bubble wrap or a plastic bag, and set a flea collar or pest strip around the pot base. Wear plastic gloves when handling collars and strips. Leave the strip or collar on overnight, If you can't get rid of the infestation, contact a nursery for advice, or discard the plant.
Don't wait more than two or three days before the move to water them. Avoid watering the plants too much, which causes freezing in cooler weather and fungi in warm weather. The weight could also increase moving costs.
Pack the Plants
Cardboard boxes with punched holes work best for plants since they allow breathing room. Stuff spaces in the boxes with extra packing material, if needed.
Group small plants together in one box, and place larger plants in separate boxes. Cover the plant with a plastic bag, and tie the bag to secure the container during the move, and insert extra packing material, if needed. Label the plants the correct name, and write "Fragile" on the box.
Contact a company like Checkmate Moving & Storage for more information and assistance.