How To Move Plants

You've worked hard to cultivate healthy house plants. And you want them to arrive that way at your new home. As you prepare to go new places with Atlas, use these tips for moving plants. If you have questions, as your Atlas Account Representative. We want your move to be a complete success.

When moving plants over long distances...

Transport house plants in a temperature-controlled environment, such as your car. Atlas does not transport perishable items over long distances; extreme temperatures and lack of fresh air in a moving van can be fatal. However, for distances under 150 miles and trip times shorter than 8 hours, Atlas may offer service. Talk to your Atlas Account Representative about the best option for your plants.

When your Atlas Account Representative conducts the moving survey in your home, let him or her know you intend to take your plants. Atlas offers affordable packing materials for plants, and your representative can explain what you need.

If you have questions about caring for specific types of plants, see the chart below for tips on the ten most common house plants. You can also find answers on these websites: Department of Agriculture, National Gardening Association, Better Homes & Gardens, and Texas A&M Horticulture.

What you should know about state regulations.

USDA requires an inspection and certificate when you move from a state infested with the gypsy moth to a non-infested state. The inspection applies to all common outdoor items that may carry the gypsy moth. You can perform the inspection yourself or hire a USDA-certified pesticide applicator to do it. Your Atlas Professional Van Operator will keep the certificate during the move and be ready to present it at any time. Download and read this booklet to learn how you can comply with the law and keep your move free of gypsy moths.

Some states regulate the transportation of certain plants; California, Arizona and Florida are known for especially rigid restrictions. Check with your state's department of natural resources to learn what you should know before you move plants to another state.

Most states require plants coming in to be grown indoors in sterilized potting soil. You can purchase sterilized soil at your local lawn and garden shop. The labels will show you which mix contains the loam, peat, or sand your plants need.

If you cannot take your potted plants, consider cuttings. Wrap the cuttings in wet moss and newspaper and place them in unsealed bags. Place the bags in a carton and fill in around them with light packing material. Cuttings can survive several days of travel and take root when potted at your new home.

Preparing for the move...

Follow these tips, and your plants will travel up to three days before they need attention.

Three weeks before moving day. Repot plants from clay pots into unbreakable plastic pots of the same size; changing pot sizes may harm plants.

Two weeks before moving day. Prune larger plants to make them compact for easy handling and transport. Pruning also yields healthy, bushy, attractive plants. To prune, simply pinch back newer growth with your thumb and forefinger. Do not prune ferns and succulents (e.g., cactus, jade plants, aloe).

One week before moving day. Check plants for insects and parasites. If you apply insecticides, exercise caution and follow label directions.

Two days before moving day. Water your plants normally, taking care to not overwater. Too much water can cause plants to freeze in cold weather or promote fungus growth in warm weather.

Moving day. Pack your plants in the morning (the night before is okay, too).

• Wrap large plants with an old bed sheet or tissue paper to prevent branches from breaking.
• Place each pot in a box so it fits snugly at the bottom. You may use regular moving cartons, like dish packs, available from your Atlas Account Representative.
• If necessary, pack paper in the box around the base of the pot to hold the pot in place. Punch air holes in the sides of the box and loosely fasten the lid so plants can breathe.
• Set the boxes upright and clearly mark the lids. This will help avoid loading them by mistake into the moving van.

Tips for keeping plants healthy while traveling...

• Load plants as close to your departure time as possible. Avoid putting them in the trunk of your car; heat, cold, and lack of fresh air can be harmful.
• In warm weather, stop periodically in shaded areas and crack a window. Avoid exposing plants to direct sunlight at any time.
• Keep a comfortable temperature in your car. Cold weather, especially, can be hazardous to your plants. If needed, help protect plants by wrapping them with newspaper or paper bags.
• Water your plants only if they seem unusually dry. Otherwise, wait until you have arrived at your new home.
• If you travel for more than three days, bring plants indoors when you lodge and open cartons to expose them to light.

Bringing your plants safely into your new home...

• Unpack your plants as soon as possible.
• Remove them through the bottom of the box to avoid breaking leaves and branches.
• Refrain from moving plants around until they become acclimated.

With your planning and careful attention, your plants made a successful move. Like you, they are now ready to flourish in their new home.

Ten common house plants and how to care for them.

Philodendron	Leaves droop	Too hot and dry / soak thoroughly, move to a cooler spot.
	Leaves turn yellow	Too wet / check drainage holes, let dry between waterings.
Ficus	Leaf drop	Too wet / allow soil to dry before watering. Too cold / move to brighter, warmer place.
Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)	Brown leaves	Hot, dry air / use cool mist humidifier.
	Lanky leaves	Too dark / move to brighter spot.
Boston Fern	Spindly fronds	Pot is too big / let it get root bound. Fertilize.
	Brown fronds	Dry air / use cool mist humidifier.
African Violet	Spots on leaves	Water on leaves / remove spotted leaves, water plant from the bottom to avoid getting water on leaves.
	No flowers	Too dark / increase light intensity and fertilize.
Aloe-vera	Leaves topple over	Too rootbound / repot, or divide plant.
	Leaves wither	Too dry / water a little more often.
Dracaena (dragon tree)	Leaves droop	Direct sun / move to more filtered light.
Parlor Palm	Brown leaf tips	Dry air and soil / mist and increase water.
Schefflera	Blackened leaf tips	Soggy soil / reduce water.
	Leaf drop	Cool air / move away from drafts.
Spider Plant	Brown scorch marks on leaves	Leaf shine damage / clean with pure water
	Rotting in center	Too wet / allow to dry before watering.
	Brown leaf tips	Too hot & dry / move away from direct sun, water more often.