Moving With Houseplants: 6 Tips to Help

by Tina Broyles, DRE 01009212 & NMLS 91630 10/10/2021

When moving with houseplants it’s important to make the process as low-stress as possible, both for you and the plants. While relocating can be complicated and overwhelming, there are ways to make sure your plants will travel safely and happily to your new home. Here are some expert tips for packing and moving your houseplants.

Repot to Plastic

The first thing you can do to prepare your plants for moving is to re-pot anything that’s in a heavy planter. Instead, use simple plastic nursery pots in the same size and try to keep as much of the original soil as possible. This will make your plants much lighter for the move and you can put them back in their original containers once they’re settled.

Treat for Pests

You don’t want to bring pests with you to a new home. Before packing up your plants, inspect and treat them for infestations or disease. Treat any existing pest issues and clean with a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil solution as a preventative measure before the move.

Pack & Place

Different plants need different styles of packing. For example, cacti are best wrapped loosely in bubble wrap to protect you, your movers and other plants from accidental poking. Plants with lots of foliage are best wrapped like a bouquet: wrap packing paper tightly around the base of the plant and gather the leaves and branches in a cone shape. If you are moving plants by car, stand your tall plants up in the back seat rather than lay them down if possible.

Keep Air Moving

Don’t forget that plants are living things. Air circulation is crucial to reducing moving stress and keeping your plants happy during the journey. If possible, leave boxes and other containers open at the top so the plants can “breathe.” If the journey is going to be especially hot, this lets them benefit from the cool breeze of a car air conditioner as well.

Avoid Sun Exposure

Sun damage is one of the most common issues when moving houseplants. Long drives or simply sitting in one place for too long in the harsh sunlight can burn even the most sun-loving plants in your collection. You can use various window shade attachments if you wish, but a simple white cloth draped over the tops of the exposed plants should be enough to keep them from getting scorched by the sun’s rays.

Expect Signs of Stress

No matter how perfectly you pack and move your houseplants, you are likely to notice signs of stress on the other side. Don’t panic if some of your plants drop leaves or get brown on the edges. It can take a couple of weeks for a plant to get used to a new environment. Keep up with your normal care routines and your plants will flourish in your new home.

About the Author
Author

Tina Broyles, DRE 01009212 & NMLS 91630

 

Headline: Tina Broyles: Your Expert Real Estate Agent for Fremont, San Jose, and the Bay Area | eXp Realty

Bio:

As a dedicated real estate professional and a long-time resident of the California Bay Area, I have been proudly serving the real estate community since 1987. My mission is to provide my clients with unparalleled professionalism, in-depth market knowledge, and a caring approach that has resulted in a business built almost entirely on referrals.

Your Trusted Real Estate Advisor in the Bay Area

I specialize in the vibrant and diverse real estate markets of Fremont, Campbell, San Jose, Saratoga, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Morgan Hill, Santa Clara, Mountain View, and Milpitas, CA. With over three decades of experience, I have a deep understanding of these communities and can provide you with the insights you need to make informed decisions.

One of the most consistent compliments I receive from clients is about my responsiveness to their needs. Your goals are my top priority, and I am committed to being there for you every step of the way. I am honored to have been voted "Best of Milpitas" every year from 2000 to 2020, a testament to my dedication to my clients and my community.

About My Business: eXp Realty

As part of the innovative eXp Realty team, I bring a diverse set of skills and a commitment to excellence to every transaction. We leverage cutting-edge technology that is "beyond expectation" to provide you with a seamless and efficient real estate experience. My team and I offer the perfect balance of experience and professionalism to help you achieve your real estate dreams in the Bay Area.

Community Involvement

I believe in giving back to the community that has given me so much. I am a happily married mother of two and a proud grandmother to two beautiful granddaughters, Audrina and Chesney. In my free time, I enjoy golfing, exercising, and my weekly Bible study. I am also passionate about serving the homeless community in Milpitas and supporting our local businesses.

I would be honored to get to know you and your family and put my extensive real estate experience to work for you.

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