Tips for moving houseplants. How to move a houseplant so that it remains healthy. Dos and don’ts for moving houseplants. How to package up a houseplant for moving. Where to put a houseplant in the car when you move it. Avoid transporting houseplants in open truck beds.
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Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. Today’s video is sponsored by our Amazon affiliate link, which you’ll see in the description below. You’ll also find links to videos mentioned in this video.
Today, I’m going to talk to you about moving your houseplants. This could mean moving them around your house or moving them out of your house and into another residence. It’s important to ensure that your houseplants arrive at your new location healthy and happy. They will have some adjustments to make when they move, but with these tips, you can get them there without a lot of damage.
The first thing you want to do is water your plants a couple of days before the move. You want the plants to be hydrated for the journey because droughted plants that are then thrown in a car or truck will not do well during a move. However, you also don’t want to water them right before the move because you don’t want the plants dripping everywhere as you move them. By watering them well a couple of days before, their leaves will be nice and turgid, full of moisture and ready for their big day of moving.
At that time, you can also add a vitamin B12 solution to the water, which will help with any shock they might experience.
Now, let’s get your houseplant packaged up and ready for the move. You don’t want to take your houseplant and stick it in the back of the car and hope for the best. For example, if you put it in the back of the car and someone else throws a blanket on top, you can see where this is going. You want to protect your plant just like you would protect your fine china or breakables.
To do this, you’ll need large trash bags for bigger plants, but for medium to small-sized plants, you can use a smaller bag. Take it at the base and try to do this no more than a day before the move, as you don’t want to cut off air flow to the roots. A rubber band can help secure the plant in the bag, and it will catch the dirt if the plant goes sideways.
Next, cushion the plant with bubble wrap, ensuring that you don’t squish it too hard. You can put a rubber band around the bubble wrap, but be careful not to damage the plant. Place the cushioned plant in a nice box, and add more bubble wrap around the edges for extra protection. Ideally, leave the top of the plant out of the box to prevent any damage to the branches or leaves. If you have to cover it, put another box over the top and tape it down to avoid squishing.
When transporting the plant, do not put it in the back of an uncovered truck. This is equivalent to putting the poor plant into a hurricane. It will lose moisture, and its leaves will suffer damage. Taller plants are harder to transport, so if you can, put them into the back of a covered truck or ideally in a van.
Remember that moving plants can expose them to sunlight, which they aren’t accustomed to. More than about ten minutes in the sun can lead to leaf burn. When you take your plants out of the vehicle, make sure to put them in the shade. It’s easy to think you’ll be back in ten minutes, but you might find yourself unpacking for two hours and forget about the plant.
After moving, don’t water the plants until they start to approach dryness. Depending on how long the move took, they may need some watering soon after. When you do your first watering after the move, also use a B1 supplement to help the plant deal with shock and acclimate to its new home.
Be aware that certain plants, like Ficus benjamina, are notorious for losing leaves during the move. Some leaf loss is expected as a common response to stress, but if you take care of your plants, they should survive and start thriving soon after moving.
Keep in mind that it may take some time for them to begin growing again—anywhere from one to three months—depending on the conditions and care they receive. If you’re providing good lighting and proper watering, and even talking to them about how wonderful their new place is, they will start growing again when the time is right.
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FAQ About Moving Houseplants
How should I prepare my houseplants before moving?
Water your plants a couple of days before the move to ensure they are hydrated. Droughted plants do not fare well during transport, but avoid watering right before the move to prevent dripping.
What can I add to the water for my plants before moving?
You can add a vitamin B12 solution to the water to help alleviate any shock the plants might experience during the move.
How should I package my houseplants for the move?
Use a trash bag to cover the base of the plant, ensuring you do this no more than a day before the move to avoid cutting off airflow. Use bubble wrap for cushioning and place the plant in a sturdy box with more bubble wrap around the edges.
What should I avoid when transporting houseplants?
Do not place your plants in the back of an uncovered truck, as they can lose moisture and suffer from leaf damage. Use a covered truck or van instead.
How can I protect my plants from sunlight during the move?
After taking your plants out of the vehicle, place them in the shade immediately to prevent leaf burn, as they are not accustomed to direct sunlight.
When should I water my plants after moving?
Do not water your plants until they start to approach dryness. When you do water, use a B1 supplement to help them acclimate to their new environment.
Is it normal for plants to lose leaves during a move?
Yes, some leaf loss is a common response to stress, especially for plants like Ficus benjamina. With proper care, your plants should survive and begin to thrive again.
How long might it take for plants to start growing after moving?
It can take anywhere from one to three months for plants to begin new growth after moving, depending on the care they receive.
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