Moving is a stressful event for everyone; the same goes for plants. Plants are living organisms, and like humans, they can experience stress when their environment changes. Whether you’re moving to another city or to a region with a different climate, it’s important to take precautions to keep your plants healthy and happy during the transition.
Is moving stressful for a plant?
Yes, moving can be stressful for plants. Changes in temperature, light, humidity, and the physical movement itself can cause shock in plants. Typical symptoms of stress in plants include wilting, yellowing leaves, or slowed growth after the move. Fortunately, with proper care, you can reduce this stress and ensure a smooth transition.
How do you transport plants during a move?
Plan ahead
Before moving, evaluate the condition of your plants and consider whether they can handle the journey and if it’s worth subjecting them to such stress. Large, fragile, or highly sensitive plants may require extra care. In some cases, it might be better to leave the plant behind and start fresh in the new home.
Prune and clean the plants
Remove dead leaves, stems, and flowers a few days before the move. Pruning the plant will not only make it easier to handle but also promote healthy growth in the new home.
Repot if necessary
If your plants are in fragile or heavy pots, consider transferring them to lightweight plastic containers for transport. This can help reduce damage to both the pot and the plant.
Important: Make sure to repot them a few weeks before the move so they have time to adjust to the new container.
Watering schedule
Water the plants a few days before the move, but be careful not to overwater them, as they could become heavier and more prone to damage during transport.
Tip: It’s better to keep the plants slightly dry rather than too wet during the move!
Prepare the plants for transport
For smaller plants, use open boxes to keep them stable. To protect the pots, you can use wrapping paper, which is available on our website Topkartons.ch.
For larger plants, consider wrapping the foliage in plastic or paper to protect the leaves.
Transporting the plants
Ideally, it would be best to transport the plants in your own vehicle and not in the moving truck. This will allow you to control the temperature and light exposure—especially important for long trips. Excessive exposure to heat or cold in the moving truck can damage the plants.
When transporting plants in a moving truck, place them in sturdy, open boxes to keep them upright and secure, using packing materials like towels or paper around the pots to minimize movement. Position them near the top or rear of the load to avoid being crushed, and ensure there’s enough airflow by not sealing the boxes completely. For larger plants, use bungee cords or straps to secure them to the truck walls, and lightly wrap the foliage for protection. Keep them out of direct sunlight and avoid extreme temperature exposure by checking on them during the trip.
Unpack and acclimate the plants in the new home
Once you arrive, unpack the plants immediately and place them in an environment similar to the one they were used to in the old house. Avoid direct sunlight initially, as they will need time to adjust to the new light conditions. Gradually reintroduce their normal watering schedule and prune any damaged parts.
Boost your new home’s energy with Feng Shui
Plants are not only decorative elements that add a touch of green to indoor spaces, but according to the ancient practice of Feng Shui, they can positively influence the energy flowing through your home. This Chinese practice aims to create balance and harmony in the environment we live in, promoting physical and spiritual well-being.
According to Feng Shui, plants play an important role in improving Chi, the vital energy, bringing prosperity, fortune, and serenity. Here are some of the most appreciated plants in Feng Shui and how to strategically place them in your new home to attract positive energy:
- Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata): Prosperity and financial fortune
Where: The entrance of the house or in the wealth area (southeast according to the Bagua, the Feng Shui energy map). - Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana): Health and longevity
Where: Bathroom (An odd number of bamboo stalks is considered particularly lucky, especially 3 for happiness and 5 for health). - Orchid: Love and harmony
Where: In the southwest corner of the house or room, which is associated with love and marriage. Place them in the bedroom to foster romantic energy. - Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Protection and purification
Where: In rooms with high foot traffic, such as the living room or entrance, to ward off negative energy. - Boston Fern: Harmony and balance
Where: In the living room or a quiet corner of the house, perhaps near a window, to promote a connection with nature and bring freshness.
Transporting plants during a move requires care and planning, but with the right precautions, you can ensure they arrive healthy and ready to thrive in their new home. Moreover, you can take advantage of their power to transform the energy of your new environment, creating harmony and well-being for you and your loved ones.
