How To Move House Plants

No matter how green your thumb, Atlas understands you have worked hard to cultivate your indoor plants. To keep them healthy during your relocation, refer to the tips below and talk to your Atlas Agency Sales Representative concerning the best way to transport your plants.

Long-Distance Moves (top)

Like any living thing, plants require special attention. If you are involved in a long-distance move, you will want to transport your plants in a temperature-controlled environment, such as your car. Extreme temperatures and lack of fresh air in a moving van can be fatal to plants.

According to the "Household Goods Carriers' Bureau Tariff," a carrier is not allowed to accept a shipment containing perishable items, including plants, except when a shipment is moving less than 150 miles and/or delivery will be made within 24 hours. Consult with your Atlas Representative before deciding on the best and safest means of transportation.

Trust Our Expertise (top)

When your Atlas Representative surveys your overall moving requirements, let him or her know that you will be moving your own plants. Packing materials are available for purchase from your Atlas Agent.

If you have questions about the specific care of your plants, refer to the chart on this page to view the 10 most common houseplants. You can also consult a reputable plant publication or your local U.S. Department of Agriculture office.

State Regulations (top)

Some states regulate transportation of certain plants and require a Gypsy Moth Inspection Certificate. Traditionally, California, Arizona and Florida have the most rigid restrictions on bringing plants into the state. Your state's department of natural resources can provide current information about your destination state.

As a general rule, most states require transported plants to be grown indoors in sterilized potting soil — not soil taken from outdoors. You may purchase sterilized soil at your local lawn and garden shop. Read the label carefully to make sure the soil contains the right mixture of loam, peat or sand needed for your particular plants.

If you cannot take your plants along, consider taking cuttings. Simply wrap the cuttings in wet moss and newspaper and place them in unsealed bags. Place bags in a carton and fill in around them with light packing material. The cuttings should survive several days' travel and be ready to take root in your new home.

Preparing For The Move (top)

Now that you've decided which plants will accompany you to your new home, take precautions to help them survive the trip.

Three weeks before moving day:

• Repot plants that are in clay pots into unbreakable plastic containers of the same size; changing pot sizes can be detrimental to some plants.
  
  

Two weeks before moving day:

• Prune larger plants for better packing and to produce healthy, bushy, compact plants that are more attractive.
• To prune, simply pinch back newer growth with your thumb and forefinger.
• Succulents (e.g., cacti, jade plants) and ferns do not respond well to pruning.
  
  

One week before moving day:

• Check plants for insects and/or parasites.
• If you use insecticides on your plants, use them with extreme caution and follow label directions.
  
  

Two days before the move:

• Water your plants normally. In winter months, over-watering may cause plants to freeze. In warmer weather, over-watered plants are subject to fungus growth during transit.
  
  

Moving day:

• Pack your plants in the morning or the night before.
• Wrap your large houseplants with an old sheet or tissue paper to prevent branches from breaking.
• Place the pot in a box, making sure it fits snugly at the bottom. You may use conventional packing cartons, like dish packs, available from your Atlas Representative.
• If necessary, use paper around the base to hold the pot in place.
• Punch air holes in the sides of the box and loosely fasten the lid so plants can breathe.
• Set the boxes upright and clearly mark the lids. This will help you avoid loading them by mistake into the moving van.
• If you follow this procedure, your plants will be ready to travel up to three days before requiring further attention.
  
  

On the road:

• Load plants as close to your departure time as possible.
• Avoid putting plants in the trunk of your car, if possible, since heat, cold and lack of fresh air can damage the plant.
• In warm weather, make periodic stops in shaded areas and crack a window. Avoid exposing the plants to direct sunlight at all times.
• In cold weather, avoid letting the temperature inside your car become hazardous to your plants. If needed, wrap plants thoroughly with newspaper or paper bags.
• You probably will not have to water your plants during transit. If they seem unusually dry, water them at first opportunity; otherwise, postpone watering until you have arrived at your new home.
• If you're on the road for more than three days, your plants may require light. When staying overnight, it is a good idea to bring plants indoors and open cartons to expose plants to the light.

Arriving At Your New Home (top)

Upon arrival at your new home, unpack your plants as soon as possible. Remove them through the bottom of the box to avoid breaking leaves and branches. Try not to move them around too much until they become acclimated to the surroundings.

With the proper attention and care, your plants will flourish in their new home. And you can settle in more comfortably with your favorite plants around to admire and enjoy.

Caring For A Specific Plant (top)

Philodendron	Leaves droop	Too hot and dry / soak thoroughly, move to a cooler spot.
	Leaves turn yellow	Too wet / check drainage holes, let dry between waterings.
Ficus	Leaf drop	Too wet / allow soil to dry before watering. Too cold / move to brighter, warmer place.
Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)	Brown leaves	Hot, dry air / use cool mist humidifier.
	Lanky leaves	Too dark / move to brighter spot.
Boston Fern	Spindly fronds	Pot is too big / let it get root bound. Fertilize.
	Brown fronds	Dry air / use cool mist humidifier.
African Violet	Spots on leaves	Water on leaves / remove spotted leaves, water plant from the bottom to avoid getting water on leaves.
	No flowers	Too dark / increase light intensity and fertilize.
Aloe-vera	Leaves topple over	Too rootbound / repot, or divide plant.
	Leaves wither	Too dry / water a little more often.
Dracaena (dragon tree)	Leaves droop	Direct sun / move to more filtered light.
Parlor Palm	Brown leaf tips	Dry air and soil / mist and increase water.
Schefflera	Blackened leaf tips	Soggy soil / reduce water.
	Leaf drop	Cool air / move away from drafts.
Spider Plant	Brown scorch marks on leaves	Leaf shine damage / clean with pure water
	Rotting in center	Too wet / allow to dry before watering.
	Brown leaf tips	Too hot & dry / move away from direct sun, water more often.

 

Recommended Web Sites (top)

Department of Agriculture: www.usda.gov
National Gardening Association: www.garden.org
Better Homes & Gardens: www.bhg.com
Texas A&M Information Server for their Horticulture Program: http://aggiehorticulture.tamu.edu