When we carry out a move we must take into account a large number of details, for this reason, planning is essential. Time management, hiring a professional company, which furniture will still be useful to us and even how to transport plants are some aspects we must consider.
In certain situations, we wonder whether it's worth taking the plants with us. In this case, we must think about their size, whether climate requirements will be the same in the new home or whether they will deteriorate during the transfer depending on the number of kilometers.
Tips for transporting plants in a move
The transport of plants is a task that has its difficulties because not all species tolerate climate change. However, hiring a professional moving company like Horizont Atlantic only offers advantages.
As professionals in the sector we know how to carry out the transport properly and what is the correct relocation. Just as we arrange and we organize the furniture and belongings in a move, we must do the same with the plants to be sent.
Group the plants
The week before, a list should be made with all of them and group them according to the space they will occupy in the new home. Several groups must be made based on their size and characteristics to consider the type of packaging. This will allow you to know what materials are needed for packing (cardboard, plastic, newspaper, packing tape).
Prepare the plants
A couple of weeks before the move it is advisable to remove dead leaves and prune the plants. Also, if they are in ceramic pots or other types of heavy support, you will need to transplant them into a plastic pot.
If the new home is not too far away, the best thing to do is to take advantage of any trip to carry them little by little. Therefore, do not hesitate to use rigid boxes for this transport and newspaper to prevent the pots from tipping over during the trip.
Water the plants beforehand
It is recommended to water the plants a few days before the move to prevent the pot from draining water and softening the cardboard box. Also, it is advisable to add an additional layer of reinforcing cardboard at the base of the box. The important thing is that it is well hydrated during the journey.
The transfer
Plants will be the last thing loaded into the truck during a move. As a general rule, they usually use a climate-controlled vehicle adapted for this type of use. Also, they are usually packaged with adhesive tape so they can be easily removed in case they fall during the transfer.
It is advisable to write the name of the plant in large letters on the side of the boxes with the word fragile and an arrow indicating the vertical position. Also, if the top of the box can be left open, it is much better for them to breathe.
Place the plants in the new home
When the plant arrives at its final destination, there are two options for placing them. We can leave them in a provisional place without direct sunlight until they recover from the trip. Or, on the other hand, they can be left in the agreed space as long as it meets the light and temperature characteristics of the place of origin.
In short, this small guide will surely help you if you wonder how to transport a plant. Trusting Horizont Atlantic, a company established in the Canary Islands with a team with more than 40 years in the sector, only offers advantages and a total guarantee.
Frequently asked questions about transporting plants in moves
Can I take plants in a move to the Canary Islands?
It depends on the species. The Canary Islands has strict phytosanitary regulations: many plants require a phytosanitary passport and others are directly prohibited (citrus, banana plants, vines, tomato plants). Before the move consult: transporting plants to the Canary Islands: regulations.
Do plants survive transport in a maritime container?
Most do not. In a closed container without light for 7-15 days, most tropical and delicate plants die. Only very resistant species survive (cacti, succulents, sanseverias, ZZ plant). For long moves it is best to sell or give away plants in their place of origin.
When should I water the plants before the move?
Last time 2-3 days before. Moist substrate but not waterlogged. If you water the same day the substrate falls off during transport and the plant suffers from saturated roots. Never fertilize before moving, it could accelerate metabolism at a time of stress.
How to pack plants for a short road move?
Individual box per plant (do not stack), hermetic plastic at the base of the pot to prevent substrate spillage, crumpled paper around the stem to cushion and partially open box for it to breathe. Label "PLANT - FRAGILE - DO NOT INVERT". Load last, unload first.
Which plants are most resistant to a move?
Cacti, succulents (echeverias, crassulas), sanseverias (mother-in-law's tongue), pothos, ZZ plant (Zamioculcas), aglaonemas and dracaenas. These resist lack of light and water for days or weeks without serious damage. The most delicate: ferns, calatheas, flowering orchids, bonsais and large tropical plants.
Taking plants to the Canary Islands adds a procedure that does not exist in a mainland move: phytosanitary control, because the archipelago is a protected area against certain pests. We manage this within moves to the Canary Islands, together with the DUA. Tell us what you're taking and we'll tell you which species can travel.
