How to move plants?

[luthienj]

Hi all,

I am moving from Texas to NY and can't stand to leave my hibiscus plants behind, especially my young hybrids and some cv's that I don't see here anymore, like Bluebird and Heavy Metal.

Does anyone have any suggestions for the best way to move houseplants? The moving company will not load them on the truck since they cannot be responsible for their care during transport. I don't think I can take them on the plane with me. Are there guidelines for mailing potted plants across state lines?

Thanks,
Jess

[Charlie]

Interesting problem!  It's neat that you are willing to move the plants with you. Mailing them to yourself is probably the best way to go. If you use Priority Mail and send them on a Monday they should be there before the next weekend. The key is to water them well and then enclose the pot in a plastic bag that ties tight around the main stem. This keeps the soil from falling out and prevents evaporation of the water from the soil. Another way is to place wet newspaper over the top of the soil and then tape over it to accomplish the same thing. You also need some way to keep the heavy pot from crushing the plant if the box gets turned upside down, which is a given. We use bamboo sticks that are inserted to the bottom of the pot and are taller than the plant so that the bamboo takes the weight of the pot instead of the plant when turned upside down.

There are no restrictions for mailing plants to New York, just say no when they ask if the box contains anything "perishable, etc". They mean food or things that spoil. If the plants die in transit it will be your loss, the PO won't take any responsibility. We often insure boxes we send to Hawaii and other places because it is very inexpensive to do so and it seems to help get the box better treatment. It won't cover damage to the plants but will cover loss of the box.

Good luck with the move!

Charlie

[Ganel]

The moving company will not load them on the truck since they cannot be responsible for their care during transport.

As far as I know, this depends on the moving company you will hire. Some of them are providing insurances so they cover up the damages for such cases. So you don't have to worry about it.

[luthienj]

Moving companies won't move plants or perishable items.

Mailing did the trick. Look at the world gardens to see my transplants from Texas to NYC!

[blupit007]

Jessica, great hib's.  I visit NY often.  My BFF lives there.  7th St & Ave. C