How to Prepare & Move House Plants Across the Country

Houseplants help make a home feel warm and welcoming. Plants may look great at home, but they can struggle during a long move. When planning a move, you have a lot to consider, and plants often don’t receive the care they need.

You probably want to bring your houseplants to your new home, but you might not be sure if they can handle the trip, especially if it’s a long one. If you don’t think they’ll survive, try to find them a new home before your move.

Compare the cost of moving a plant with its value to decide when it’s cheaper to buy a new one. Some people think they need to move every plant, even if it’s inexpensive or in poor condition. Common houseplants, such as pothos or peace lilies, typically cost between $10 and $30 at local nurseries. Shipping or moving plants across the country can be more expensive in terms of supplies, fuel, and protection than replacing them. If a plant is common and less than two feet tall, check prices at nearby nurseries before deciding to move it.

Can I Legally Move Plants From One State to Another?

Yes, you can relocate with your plants. But it's necessary to think about the circumstances under which the plants will be moved and whether they will be able to survive the transition. Leaving some plants behind might be the best choice if they can’t handle the stress of being moved. Check the laws in the state or country you’re moving to, since some plants are considered invasive and can’t be taken across borders

The climate and laws in your new state will help you decide whether to take your plants with you. Use these steps to prepare your plants for the move, so they can adapt to changes in the environment without stress or damage.

Is Moving Process Stressful For Household Plants?

Changes in light, temperature, humidity, or water levels can stress plants. Moving plants, like shaking them during transport or cramming them into boxes, can damage their roots and leaves.

Moving stress can affect a plant’s growth and health. Try to move plants during cooler months to reduce the stress they experience.

The Recommended Time is During the Dormant Season

Timing is crucial when moving plants, and understanding their dormant period is key. Late fall or winter is often the ideal time for relocation, as plants are in a state of dormancy during this period. Deciduous trees and shrubs, for instance, are best moved when they have shed their leaves and are conserving energy for root development. Similarly, perennial flowers and grasses can be relocated during their dormant phase, minimizing disruption to their growth cycles and aiding faster establishment in the new location.

Dormancy helps lower the risk of transplant shock, a condition where a plant has trouble adjusting to a new location because of root damage or stress from the environment. During dormancy, most of the plant’s energy stays focused in the root ball instead of supporting new growth above the soil. This helps plants recover more easily after being moved, since they don’t need as much energy. Gardeners use this idea to safely divide and move perennials, shrubs, and trees.

However, it's important to remember that not all plants have the same dormant period. Some may have specific seasonal requirements or unique growth patterns. By researching your plants' specific needs, you can determine the most suitable timing for their move, ensuring a successful and less stressful transition.

Avoid Moving Certain Plants Across State Lines

Some plants shouldn't be transported to another state because they can be invasive species, which can grow quickly and compete with native plants for resources. The cost of controlling invasive plants can be substantial, and they can have a severe impact on natural ecosystems.

Some plants may also harbor pests or viruses that harm crops and native plants. Moving plants from one state to another may unintentionally spread these pests or viruses, which could have a serious negative impact on regional agriculture.

Prepare Your Plants

A few weeks before the move, remove the dead branches and give them a good pruning. Eliminate weeds, bugs, and dust a week before your move. Remove plants from their heavy pots and place them in lightweight plastic pots to facilitate easier transportation.

Use nursery-grade plastic pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot during transport. Stake the stem of tall or top-heavy plants, such as fiddle leaf figs or corn stalk dracaenas, with a bamboo cane. Loosely secure it with soft Velcro plant ties or cotton twine to keep the plant from tipping. Choose moving boxes that are 2 to 4 inches taller than the plant’s pot to leave space for padding. Stabilize short or small plants with cardboard dividers. Use soft foam wedges or rolled-up newspaper to support taller plants without damaging their leaves.

Finding crates or large boxes that will fit your plants is the first step in transporting them across the country. To prevent the boxed-up plant from moving around too much throughout the journey, line the box with bubble wrap. You'll likely need to place the plants on the floor in the back seat of your vehicle.

Make sure you understand the climate where you plan to move the plants before starting any of these tasks. It doesn’t make sense to move a plant that needs a lot of sunlight to a place with little or no sun.

One week before the move, you can start acclimating your indoor plants to the conditions they will encounter during transportation. This involves gradually exposing them to lower light levels, reduced watering, and slightly lower temperatures to prepare them for the move.

Begin 7 days before moving day. Each day, move the plants 2 to 3 feet away from windows to reduce their light exposure. Reduce the amount of water by 25% to help the roots firm up and lower the risk of shock. For tropical plants, use a fan for short periods to mimic travel conditions and help strengthen their leaves.

Quick Checklist for Moving Plants

1. Prune and clean up 2 to 3 weeks before the move.
Remove dead leaves and lightly trim your plants to maintain their health.

2. Treat for pests and repot into plastic containers 1 week before.
This helps prevent damage and makes the plants easier to move.

3. Check the climate at your new location.
Consider sunlight, humidity, and the likelihood of frost to ensure your plants will adjust well.

4. Get your plants used to travel conditions.
Slowly reduce watering and light a few days before the move so they won’t go into shock.

5. Label each plant with its name and the specific care instructions required.
This makes it easier to unpack and give them the right care right away.

Check Your State Regulations

If you are moving from state to state, federal and state laws may be involved. Sometimes, your plants are not allowed to cross state borders. California, Arizona, and Florida have the most restrictions on bringing plants into the state. Most states require plants to be transported and grown indoors in sterilized potting soil. You can buy sterilized potting soil at local nurseries or garden centers. It would be best to contact your local U.S. Department of Agriculture office to check on specific regulations.

USDA restrictions depend on the plant species and the growing medium. Soil can carry invasive insects or fungal spores. That’s why many states require sterilized or soilless materials, such as coco coir or peat moss. Some plant species are also banned because they might spread pests or become invasive.

Examples of plants whose interstate transportation is often restricted or outlawed include:

Bamboo
Kudzu
Giant hogweed
Japanese knotweed
Purple loosestrife
Wild parsnip

It's usually a good idea to confirm that the plants you wish to move are not restricted or prohibited by contacting the local authorities or the USDA.

Top 10 Restricted or Banned Plants by State

What to Do for Rare or Valuable Plants

If you're moving rare or valuable plants, take photos beforehand and record their condition. Some homeowner insurance policies might cover them as personal property, but not while they're being transported. You can ask about a specialty insurance rider or a written agreement from the moving company if they agree to handle the plants.

Check Soil for Insects and Pathogens

Inspect the soil and root zones carefully for signs of pests or diseases before relocating any plants. Use a 10x hand lens to spot common pests, such as fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.) and root mealybugs (Rhizoecus spp.), which can be easily missed during regular checks. Watch for soil-borne diseases like Pythium or Phytophthora. These may cause root rot or wilting. These organisms can live in potting soil and spread to other plants in your new space.

If you find pests or disease, treat the soil using a targeted method to control the issue. For example, a beneficial nematode, such as Steinernema feltiae, can control fungus gnat larvae, and a hydrogen peroxide soil drench (a 3% solution mixed with water at a 1:4 ratio) can lower fungal levels without harming the plant. Keep treated plants separate for at least 10 days to ensure the problem is resolved before adding them to your new space.

Pack Your Plants

Leave your plants as the last things to pack, so that they don't get crushed too long in moving boxes, and they'll be the first things unpacked at your new home. You can manage the environment much better in your car than if they are just stuck in the back of a moving truck. Pack them snugly in sturdy boxes, line them with plastic and place your plant inside. Ensure that the plastic is not tied too tightly. If it's a long-distance move, ensure plants are kept moist. Most houseplants can survive 5-10 days without water, depending on the type of plant. Succulents, such as jade or snake plants, can last longer. Tropical plants like ferns or peace lilies often need water within 3-5 days.

Comparing Plant Transport Methods

Moisture Matters

When moving plants, managing moisture is important. Water the plants enough before the move, but avoid overwatering them. If the soil is too wet, the plants become heavier and more difficult to carry, increasing the risk of damage during the move.

Succulents and cacti, for example, have developed to flourish in arid climates and are particularly sensitive to excess rainfall. It's best to wait a few days before moving them to ensure their roots aren't excessively wet. Plants with high moisture requirements, such as ferns or tropical foliage, on the other hand, may benefit from a thorough watering before the move. This ensures that they have enough moisture reserves to endure the stress of moving

Succulents and tropical plants react very differently when being moved. Succulents, such as echeveria or aloe, are prone to root rot if they’re exposed to too much moisture. To avoid this, they should be kept dry and moved in breathable containers. Tropical plants, like philodendrons or calatheas, are more sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature. Wrapping them in damp paper and placing them in insulated carriers helps keep their environment stable during the move.

Moving Companies Will Not Move Plants

Plants are considered perishable, and the majority of moving companies will not load plants on their trucks if it's a cross-country move. They are too fragile and are likely to suffer damage during the move. Most indoor houseplants can't survive temperatures below 30 degrees or above 100 degrees. Some professional movers, even if they move your plants, will not cover damage to plants. Ask your moving company if they have any restrictions.

Creative Hacks for Plant Transport

Track Your Plant Boxes with AirTags: Place an Apple AirTag inside the plant box, taping it under the rim or on the side, to track high-value or fragile plants during the move. This is helpful when movers or shipping companies are handling your items.

Make a Mobile Greenhouse: Use a clear plastic storage bin with vent holes drilled near the top and a battery-powered LED grow light. Line the bottom with a moisture-absorbing mat to help maintain humidity and warmth. This setup works well for tropical plants like calatheas or orchids during long-distance moves. Lightly secure the lid to allow airflow.

Ship The Plants

All major transportation companies, such as FedEx or UPS, ship plants, but each company has distinct requirements. Use the fastest shipping option when sending plants. Label each box with “LIVE PLANTS, FRAGILE, THIS SIDE UP” using waterproof shipping labels. Use ventilated clamshell containers or perforated boxes. Line them with paper shreds or biodegradable packing peanuts to cushion the roots and allow airflow.

In winter, add a 40-hour heat pack. Tape it securely inside the box, away from the plant to prevent damage. To retain moisture in tropical or humidity-sensitive plants, wrap the root ball in a lightly moistened paper towel and place it inside a sealed zip-top bag.

Schedule drop-offs early in the morning and avoid weekend shipments to reduce delays. If the plant is a regulated species, include a USDA permit copy in a clear pouch attached to the outside of the box.

Shipping Carrier Comparison for Live Plants (Domestic U.S.)

Best Transport Methods by Move Type

1. Short Moves (under 100 miles): For moves under 100 miles, transport plants in your car. Use open boxes lined with towels to keep the root balls secure.

2. Long-Distance Moves: For long-distance moves, use a shipping service like UPS 2-day delivery. Avoid exposing plants to extreme temperatures in moving trucks.

3. International Moves: For international moves, take plant cuttings and ship them bare-root when possible. Make sure you follow the destination country’s quarantine and certificate requirements.

4. Air Travel: When flying, it's best to take plants as carry-ons. Call the airline ahead to check their rules. Keep the plants upright in breathable containers.

Transplant or Propagate?

Not all plants are good candidates for full transplanting. Sometimes, especially with larger perennials or woody herbs, it’s better to take cuttings instead of risking damage to the mature root system. Cuttings are smaller, easier to pack, and often root more quickly in sterilized soil once they arrive at their new location.

Take stem cuttings from soft-stemmed plants like mint, pothos, or coleus. For woody plants like rosemary or lavender, semi-hardwood cuttings are most effective. Use floral tubes or wrap the cut ends in damp paper towels to keep them moist during travel. This method helps prevent transplant shock and supports healthy growth after planting.

Use This Quick Checklist:
1. If your plant is over 3 feet tall or in a heavy ceramic pot, it’s better to propagate.
2. Plants with a woody base or deep roots are usually better suited for propagation.
3. For fast-growing houseplants like pothos or spider plants, transplanting or taking cuttings both work well.
4. If you’re moving over 500 miles or relocating to another country, propagation is often the best choice.
5. If your plant recovers quickly after pruning, like mint or coleus, take stem cuttings instead.

Best Shipping Option

Among major carriers, UPS is often preferred for live plants because it offers faster delivery and more consistent climate control. Choose next-day or two-day shipping, and avoid weekends to prevent delays.

Many people assume driving your plants is always safer than shipping them. But if you’re moving in summer or winter and can’t keep your car at a stable temperature, shipping with heat or cold packs may protect your plants better. Using UPS Next Day with a heat pack in January is more reliable than leaving a plant in a car overnight when it’s 25°F. For plants that are sensitive to temperature changes, shipping in a controlled environment can be safer than moving them yourself.

Take Cuttings

If you can't take your plants with you, consider taking cuttings. This is a good option for your favorite outdoor plants. Purchase some floral tubes, fill them with water, then cap them.

Help Plants to Recover

The plants should be unpacked as soon as possible after arrival. Make sure to remove the plastic immediately, take them out of their boxes, and give them some water. Place plants in pots that are the same dimensions as the ones you had before moving. Plants should not be moved until they have acclimated.

Sometimes houseplants don't like the jolt of moving. They will need time to adjust to feel more at ease and comfortable in their new surroundings.

Some plants drop their leaves after being moved, which can worry owners who think the plant is dying. Leaf drop is common after a move because the plant is adjusting to changes in light and humidity. Avoid using excessive water or fertilizer to address the issue. Place the plant in indirect light and allow it at least two weeks to recover before making any changes.

Moving Services in Your State