Congratulations on your move! But now you are faced with the problem of moving your very large and heavy (and valuable) houseplants several miles away. So how do you move these big heavy plants?
Preparing for the move
Preparation is key. Here are some tips for moving your plants to a new home safely:
- For the large plants like monstera, remove it from its large pot and transfer it to a smaller, lighter container just for transport.
- You can repot it back into the larger pot once you’re settled in the new place. This will make it much easier to carry.
- For the long vines like satin pothos, bundle up the vines securely so they don’t get tangled or damaged during the move. You can wrap them around cardboard or plastic tubes for support.
- Water all plants well 1-2 days before moving so the soil is moist but not soaked. This prevents them from drying out or getting root rot during transit.
- Pad the bottom and sides of plant pots with newspaper, bubble wrap or towels to protect them from bouncing and jostling during the journey.
- Consider moving the plants in the back of a car or van rather than public transport where they may get jostled more. Provide airflow by cracking windows.
- On hot days, move plants early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid heat stress. Consider covering them with a light sheet or towel if moving during full sun.
Monitor plants closely for a few weeks after the move and water as needed to prevent stress. Expect some leaf drop but they should recover with TLC.
Watering the plants after moving to reduce stress
For the first 1-2 weeks, only water when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry. Don’t follow your regular watering schedule yet. Underwatering is better than overwatering while they’re settling in.
Large plants like a monstera may need watering every 5-7 days, while smaller plants could go 7-10 days. Feel the soil and water only when it starts to dry out.
Pay close attention to the soil moisture level and signs of dehydration like drooping leaves. Water thoroughly when the top soil is dry so the entire root ball is moistened.
Make sure your plants are in a location with adequate, indirect light. Too much sun could cause additional stress during this adjustment period.
After 2 weeks, you can start following your normal watering routine. But continue monitoring carefully for another 1-2 weeks and adjust frequency if roots seem susceptible to rot.
Consider bottom watering (placing the pot in a tray of water) for the first few waters, as this prevents overwatering and allows full moisture absorption.
Good luck with your move! And don’t forget before and after photos to remember how big your plants were on moving day!
