I’m Moving - How to Prepare My Plants!
By Maddy Hogan
Moving to a new home can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be a stressful time for our beloved indoor house plants. To ensure their safe transition, it's crucial to take the necessary steps to prepare and care for them throughout the moving process. In this blog post, we will guide you through best practices on how to water, store, and wrap your plants, as well as how to care for them once they have settled into their new space.
Assessing Your Plants
Before the move, take the time to evaluate the needs and characteristics of each plant. Some may require special care due to their size, fragility, or specific environmental conditions. Understanding your plants' requirements will help you plan their relocation effectively.
Watering
About a week before the move, water your plants thoroughly, ensuring the soil is evenly moist. Avoid overwatering, as it can make the pots heavy and increase the risk of root rot during transit. However, it's essential to maintain adequate moisture levels to prevent dehydration.
Pruning, Preparing, & Cleaning
Trim any dead or damaged leaves and check your plant for pests prior to transit. Cleaning the leaves with a damp cloth will help them breathe better and reduce the chances of pests hitching a ride to your new home.
How to Choose Suitable Packaging
For small-sized plants, carefully wrap each pot in several layers of newspaper or bubble wrap. Secure it with tape to protect the plant and prevent soil spillage. Alternatively, you can use plant sleeves or plastic bags with air holes for a secure fit.
We recommend using a large tote or bag that has a sturdy and well-supported base with an open top to allow the plant to continue breathing during packing and transit. The open top of the tote or the bag should be sturdy on its own so that it does not collapse in on any delicate foliage of the plant inside.
For larger plants, we recommend bagging the pot in a heavy duty trash bag and securing the top above the soil line with packaging tape. This will keep any loose soil from spilling anywhere other than inside the trash bag during transport. Additionally, we recommend padding any delicate foliage or trunks of your indoor house plants with bubble wrap prior to transporting.
Packing & Transporting
For small plants, place them in a sturdy box with packing material to prevent shifting during transportation. Fill any empty spaces with crumpled newspaper or bubble wrap to provide additional cushioning.
Large plants should be moved separately, ideally in a moving van or truck. Secure them by placing non-slip mats or old towels around the pots to prevent movement. Avoid stacking heavy objects on top of them to prevent damage.
Unpacking & Reacclimatizing
Once you arrive at your destination, unpack your plants as soon as possible. Remove the packaging carefully, avoiding any damage to the foliage, or roots.
Finding the Right Spot
Reintroduce your plants to their new environment gradually by placing them in an area with similar lighting conditions to their previous location and those conditions which mimic their natural environment. You should carefully observe how your indoor houseplants respond and make adjustments, if necessary, remembering that each time you move your indoor houseplants that the acclimation period of 2-3 weeks resets. We always recommend avoiding placing indoor houseplants near drafty windows, heating vents, or air conditioning units as these can cause damage or shock.
Watering and Settling-In
Allow your plants to acclimate to their new surroundings before watering them. Check the moisture level of the soil by inserting your finger at least an inch deep or use one of our Classy Casita Moisture Meters that we sell in store and online. When the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry to the touch, you can resume the regular watering schedule for your indoor houseplants. Be careful not to overwater your plants after the move as the root systems may be more delicate and fragile, therefore more prone to shock or root rot.
Patience & Ongoing Monitoring
During the first two weeks, closely monitor your plants for signs of stress or any changes in growth. Be patient as they adjust to their new environment. You can resume regular care routines, such as fertilizing and pruning, once they have settled in, but refrain from moving your houseplants around too frequently once your move is complete. Once you find a suitable place with the proper lighting for your houseplants, leave it there to acclimate and reduce any shock. Remember that all plants take 2-3 weeks to acclimate to a new environment, similar to humans and pets, so patience is key to ensuring your indoor plants thrive.
Moving to a new home does not have to be a daunting experience for your indoor house plants. With the proper preparation, care, and attention, you can ensure their smooth transition and continued well-being in their new home. If you have any questions or need assistance with transporting or repotting of plants, contact our downtown Napa store at (707) 637-4388 or email us at hello@rizaplants.com!
