Plants do not generally appear to present many problems. They never complain and barely move, though in reality they can be just as sensitive about being moved to a new environment as a dog or cat might be, particularly if the relocation involves having to spend a good deal of time in a vehicle. There are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration if you are considering moving a plant, including the fact that you may not be legally allowed to take it with you if you are making an interstate move. If you can legally move the plant, you need to make sure it remains moist and is kept in a vehicle where the temperature remains at a constant level.
There are a number of other things that you can do to make sure the trip is comfortable for your plants. Your moving company cannot handle the move of live plants. If you are making a long distance move it is best to take the plants in your own vehicle, as you will be there to keep them upright, ensure the vehicle temperature remains appropriate and water them as needed.
The great majority of indoor houseplants will not be able to survive temperatures of less than 32ºF especially if they have not been wrapped. If you are moving a long distance you should therefore pack your plants in a moving carton and do your best to make certain that they are relocated in a heated vehicle. Also make sure that they are not left overnight in a moving van or unheated car, as chances are, they may not survive. In some instances this might mean that you will have to have the plants with you in your motel room overnight.
In order to get your plants ready for the relocation, you should make sure that they are already moist when they are packed. Most plants can generally survive for up to ten days without water, so watering can be left out if necessary. If your plant is in a ceramic or clay pot, which is both breakable and very heavy, you should move it into a plastic pot prior to the move. This in itself can be quite traumatic for a plant, however, so it should be done a few weeks before the day of the move to allow it to become accustomed to the new pot. If limitations of space preclude you from moving your plant with you, you might want to take a cutting instead and then place it in your new yard – in or out of a pot – when you arrive at your destination.
