How to Move Houseplants Without Harming Them

If you’re moving house soon, you might find yourself at a loss as to how to transport your houseplants appropriately without damaging them, particularly if you’re moving a fair distance. As such, in this month’s article we’ll be looking at the best ways that you can safely move your houseplants without harming them in any way, shape or form. To do so, you’ll need to consider a few important things.

The Dormant Period

Firstly, it is well worth your time to research when your plant’s dormant period is; this is the time when the plant has ‘died off’, such as when a tree sheds its leaves in the winter. For the most part, a plant’s dormant period will likely be between October and February, but this may not be the case and you should determine this before proceeding. If your plant is going to be entering its dormant period in time for your move, it can be significantly easier to transport it, as it will be in a period of hibernation of sorts.

Appropriate Soil and Climate

When moving to another country, the change in climate is an all-important factor that you need to consider. If there is a change and the soil in the destination country is different (especially if your houseplant will one day be replanted outside), your plants may not survive either the journey nor their new home, so it may not be in its best interest to be moved at all.

Once you have considered these two salient points, you will know whether or not it is worth moving your plants to your new home. If you don’t think that they’ll survive, you may want to give them to your neighbours as a nice parting gift. If they will be alright for the trip, the process by which you should move them is relatively straightforward.

1) Move Your Plants to Pots

If your plants aren’t already in pots, you should move them to pots when possible. Plants in individual pots are a lot easier to move than ones grouped together in larger pots. It will also reduce the likelihood of soil spilling everywhere or your possessions becoming moist.

2) Add Mulch

Mulch is a great way to keep the soil moist without it leaking everywhere, all while keeping the plant’s roots warm and sated. Add it to the soil to see the benefits for your plant skyrocket.

3) Move Your Plants to a Dry Area

Before the move, you’ll want to move your houseplants to a dry area to give them time to dry out prior to being packed. You don’t want your plants to be leaking on any boxes or on any of your possessions.

4) Spray Your Plants with Water on Moving Day

The move will be traumatic for your plants and they’ll need all the help they can get. However, you don’t want them soaking your goods either. Spray them with water instead of pouring water into their pot. This should see them through the transportation phase, but more demanding plants may require a fresh spray during the trip, particularly during moves in hot weather.

5) Keep Your Plants Packed Closely in an Open-Top Box

To keep your plants securely fastened during the move, it may be worth packing them in a box with an open top. The box will help keep them in the same place and limit the spread of soil to the one box. However, it is important not to cover the box or pack the plants too tightly to avoid suffocating your plants.

No matter what you’re moving, Darvills and Benns Removals will be there to help.

Established in 1876, Darvills and Benns Removals are second-to-none in providing moving and storage solutions to Bradford, Halifax, and throughout West Yorkshire. As members of the National Guild of Removers, you can rest assured that you’re in the safest of hands with Darvills & Benns. Our expert team are ready to help with your domestic removals, striving to make your move as stress-free as possible. For more information regarding either our storage facilities or our removals services, feel free to contact our friendly team today