A Flower Garden of Your Own

Tips to Help You Keep Potted Plants Alive During a Long-Distance Move

7 September 2016 by Amelia Sutton

If you are moving from one state to another, then you want to take all of your prized and precious belongings with you. This may include one or several potted plants. If you want to make sure that your plants remain in good shape throughout the trip, then follow the tips below to prepare your plants.

Change the Pot

If your plants are contained in decorative ceramic pots, then move your plants to plastic pots that are less likely to crack. Cracked pots can damage roots and allow water to evaporate from the soil. When choosing new pots, look for ones that are the same size as the ones that currently hold your plants. Pots that are smaller may place pressure on the roots and cause them to die off. Bigger pots will hold moist soil around the roots. Mold can then form and the roots may begin to rot. The only time that you should repot with a bigger container is if you notice that roots are growing out of the drainage opening or protruding out the top of the pot. If a bigger pot is needed, then choose one that is only an inch or two wider and taller than the original.

Purchase some new potting soil for the plastic pot, and add one inch of the soil around the bottom and sides of the pot. The new soil will fill in space if a bigger pot is used. If the pot is the same size as the old one, then loose soil will fall away from the root ball as you replant. The new soil will replace the old dirt.

When the new pot is ready, place your hand firmly on the stem of the plant. Tip the pot upside down and wiggle the stem gently until the plant falls out of the pot. If your new pot is a larger one, then use your fingers to untangle and pull the rots away from the root ball. This will encourage the roots to fan out and grow into the new soil. Place the plant in the new pot and use firm pressure to press the plant down into the pot.

Add a Watering Device

Potted plants placed in the back of a moving truck should do well without a great deal of sunlight. Plants store sugar in their roots, and they will use these sugars if there is not a great deal of light allowing photosynthesis to take place. Your potted plants will be able to survive for several days on the stored foods. You may notice a reduction in flowers and leafy growth during and after the move because your plants will conserve energy since they are using stored food to remain alive. 

While your plant may survive without light, it may not make it more than a day or two without water, especially if you are moving in the summer. Some of your plants may even need to be watered twice a day. It is best to avoid overwatering plants as you place your plants in the moving truck, though. This can cause as much or more damage than not watering them. Roots can burst and rot, and you are likely to notice yellow and wilted leaves across the plant.

To avoid overwatering and underwatering your potted plants, purchase a self-watering device for each pot. If you are repotting your plants, then opt for a self-watering pot with a water reservoir that sits on the bottom of the container. These reservoirs can be filled with water, and the plant will absorb the fluid as needed. You can also fill a small plastic water bottle with water and insert the end in the soil. The water will slowly absorb into the soil as it dries out. Disposable water bottles work perfectly for this type of inexpensive watering method. 

For more tips on moving things such as plants, consult a professional such as Frank and Sons Moving and Storage Inc. Agent for Wheaton World Wide Moving.