Moving Your Plants

Moving Your Plants

The following tips will assist you when relocating your plants.

Tips

Some house plants are susceptible to shock when moving.
In Fahrenheit, temperatures below 35 or above 95 for more than an hour can kill many plants.
Most house plants can survive for seven to 10 days without water with little harm, but they should be moist when placed in cartons.
House plants can tolerate darkness for up to a week, if other conditions are favorable.
When first exposing plants to light after prolonged darkness, do so gradually to avoid wilting and sun scald.
For convenience and space saving, you can take cuttings of your favorite plant (if possible).
Most cuttings can survive for several days if kept in a plastic bag containing damp vermiculite, peat moss or perlite.

Professional Moving

Most professional movers will accept plants, if not more than 150 miles and/or delivery within 24 hours.
If you are moving across state lines, check federal and state regulations for quarantines or other restrictions.
Several states require that plants be inspected and declared "pest free."
Some states have random vehicle checks, while others inspect all house plants at the border.
You must arrange for inspection of your plants by an authorized state department of agriculture inspector.

Do-It-Yourself

Never carry plants in the car trunk, which can get too hot in summer and too cold in winter.