by Emma Rayanne

Created on: August 27, 2007

Moving your favorite plants to a new home can be a very stressful process. The chances of a prized specimen dying during the move is high and can be devastating when you've put so much work into caring for it at your current location. I moved my own plants from Arizona to Vermont in January and using a few simple techniques they all survived. If you plan ahead you can successfully move your plants too.

Tip#1: Do It Yourself. Of course moving your plants yourself in a car or SUV where they can get some light is the best way to go. This may not always be possible if you are moving a long distance. In these cases it is even more important to prepare and protect your plants

Tip#2: Prepare. The day before packing your plant give it a good deep watering, allow all the excess water to drain off before packing the plant or you could encourage mold growth. Fertilize your plant according to the directions of your normal fertilizer, this will encourage root growth and help the plant recover from the shock of being in the dark faster.

Tip#3: Protect. Use a plastic grocery bag or (trash bag for large pots), place the pot inside and tie the handles over the top of the pot covering all the soil but leaving the stem and leaves out. This will keep the soil from spilling if the pot gets tipped over or tilted to one side. Also, use old pantyhose to gather and tie the stems of each plant together. This will prevent stems and leaves from tangling with other plants or getting snapped off during the move.

Tip#4: Box it up. Find a large box, tall enough that you will not have to bend your stems and leaves to much to close the flaps. Place several pots in the bottom and fill the spaces between the pots with crumpled up newspaper to keep them from sliding or bumping each other. If you can move the plants in your vehicle leave the top open so the plants can get light. If you have to ship them in a truck or van close the box up very last and make sure it is the last thing on the tuck. Label the box in large letters so it will be easy to identify and remove immediately up on arrival. The sooner you can get your plants some fresh air and water the higher you chances of a successful move.

With careful planning and care your plants can safely travel from one place to another.

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