How to Move With Houseplants: 3 Expert Tips

Houseplants add another level of complexity and stress to a move. After all, you want to make sure they survive the trip and thrive in your new space. Even hardy plants get damaged easily when moving from one place to another. However, there are some ways you can pack and prepare your plants for moving to make sure they arrive safely.

Here are 3 expert tips for moving your houseplants:

Group by Care Needs

Grouping and packing your plants together based on their needs will help them adjust to your new space more easily. If you’re loading up a box with multiple plants, consider the convenience of placing that box somewhere in your new home where they get exactly the amount of light they need. You can even water them together more easily if they’re together.

Combine plants based on the basics like watering frequency, light requirements and humidity. Succulents and cacti can go together in the same box, while you may want to keep your tropical foliage plants together in another.

Protect Delicate Foliage

Many houseplants have delicate foliage that can get damaged during your move. To prevent this, you can use your packing materials to protect them. One common approach that growers use to transport plants is to create a tube or cone-shape with packing paper. Wrap the paper tightly around the base of the plant and let the paper stick up to gather the foliage into a contained space. While it’s not perfect for every plant, it will help you keep trailing vines or long stems from being broken in transit.

Leave Boxes Open

Your plants will travel better with good airflow and a little sunlight. Therefore, don’t bother closing the tops of your plant boxes. Instead, leave them open so light and air can get to them while in your car or other mode of transportation. You can adjust the temperature accordingly and make sure they can get in a bit of photosynthesis on the drive. If it’s going to be an especially long and sunny drive, consider bringing a white sheet or sun cloth with you to drape over the tops of the boxes. This will still allow airflow but filter the sun’s rays to prevent damage.

While moving houseplants can be tricky, you can make it easier on yourself and the plants with the right strategies. Use these tips to help your plants have a successful move.