When planning a removal, there are a great many details to keep in mind, which is why planning is essential. Managing your schedule, hiring a professional removal company, deciding which furniture is still worth keeping, and even how to transport plants are all aspects that need careful consideration.
In some situations, we find ourselves wondering whether taking our plants with us is actually worth the effort. In that case, we need to think about their size, whether the climate conditions at the new home will be similar, and whether they are likely to suffer during transit depending on the distance involved.
Tips for transporting plants during a removal
The transport of plants is a task that comes with its own challenges, as not all species cope well with a change in climate. However, hiring a professional removal company such as Horizont Atlantic brings nothing but advantages.
As professionals in the sector, we know how to carry out the move correctly and how to ensure each plant is placed in the right spot. Just as we arrange and organise furniture and belongings during a removal, we must do the same with plants being sent.
Grouping the plants
In the week leading up to the move, draw up a list of all your plants and group them according to the space they will occupy in the new home. Divide them into groups based on size and characteristics in order to determine the type of packaging required. This will help you identify which materials are needed for packing (cardboard, plastic, newspaper, packing tape).
Preparing the plants
A couple of weeks before the removal, it is advisable to remove dead leaves and prune the plants. In addition, if they are in ceramic pots or other heavy containers, you will need to repot them into plastic pots.
If the new address is not too far away, the best approach is to take advantage of any trip to transport them gradually. Do not hesitate to use rigid boxes for this and newspaper to prevent the pots from tipping over during the journey.
Watering the plants beforehand
It is advisable to water the plants a few days before the removal to prevent the pot from draining water and softening the cardboard of the box. It is also recommended to add an extra layer of cardboard at the base of the box for reinforcement. The key is to ensure the plant stays well hydrated throughout the journey.
The move itself
Plants are the last items to be loaded onto the removal lorry. As a general rule, a temperature-controlled vehicle suited to this type of transport is used. They are also typically secured with adhesive tape so they can be removed easily if they shift during transit.
It is a good idea to write the name of the plant in large letters on the side of the box, along with the word "fragile" and an arrow indicating the upright position. Furthermore, if the top of the box can be left partially open, that is far better to allow the plants to breathe.
Positioning the plants in the new home
When the plant arrives at its final destination, there are two options. You can place it in a provisional spot away from direct sunlight until it recovers from the journey. Alternatively, it can be placed straight in its designated spot, provided that location offers the right light and temperature conditions similar to those in the original home.
In short, this brief guide is sure to come in useful if you are wondering how to transport a plant. Trusting Horizont Atlantic, a company established in the Canary Islands with a team boasting over 40 years of experience in the sector, offers nothing but advantages and total peace of mind.
Frequently asked questions about transporting plants during removals
Can I bring plants on a removal to the Canary Islands?
It depends on the species. The Canary Islands have strict phytosanitary regulations: many plants require a phytosanitary passport and others are outright prohibited (citrus, banana plants, vines, tomato plants). Before your removal, consult: transporting plants to the Canary Islands: regulations.
Do plants survive transport in a maritime container?
Most do not. In a sealed container with no light for 7–15 days, the majority of tropical and delicate plants die. Only very hardy species survive (cacti, succulents, sansevierias, ZZ plant). For long-distance removals, it is worth selling or giving away plants at origin.
When should I water my plants before a removal?
For the last time, 2–3 days before. The substrate should be moist but not waterlogged. If you water on the day of the move, the substrate may shift during transport and the plant will suffer from saturated roots. Never fertilise before a removal — it could accelerate the plant's metabolism at a time of stress.
How do I pack plants for a short-distance road removal?
Use an individual box per plant (do not stack), wrap the base of the pot in sealed plastic to prevent substrate from spilling, use crumpled newspaper around the stem to cushion it, and leave the top of the box partially open so the plant can breathe. Label it "PLANT – FRAGILE – DO NOT INVERT". Load last, unload first.
Which plants are the most resilient during a removal?
Cacti, succulents (echeverias, crassulas), sansevierias (mother-in-law's tongue), pothos, ZZ plant (Zamioculcas), aglaonemas and dracaenas. These tolerate a lack of light and water for days or even weeks without serious damage. The most delicate: ferns, calatheas, orchids in bloom, bonsais and large tropical plants.
