Moving plants is a huge challenge and often leads to moisture damage, broken pots and other disasters, including the worst outcome of all – dead or damaged plants. Many indoor plant enthusiasts have found that moving plants in plastic bags is a simple, inexpensive solution to this difficult problem. Read on and learn about using plastic bags for transporting plants.
Using Plastic Bags for Plants
If you know a move is in your future and you have several indoor plants, save your plastic grocery bags ahead of time; you’ll find them very handy. Plastic garbage bags are also useful for moving plants. Additionally, if you’re sending plants to someone else, like shipping them through the mail, you can purchase bags specifically designed for this, or save your money and opt for those clear plastic storage bags, which are available in a number of sizes.
How to Move Plants in Bags
Place large pots in cardboard boxes lined with several plastic bags to prevent damage from leakage and catch any spilled potting soil. Put plenty of bunched up bags (and newspapers) between the plants to cushion pots and keep them upright during the move.
Put smaller pots directly in plastic grocery or storage bags. Seal the bag around the lower stem with twist ties, string or rubber bands.
You can also remove small plants from their pots and pack the containers separately. Wrap the roots carefully in moist newspaper, then insert the plant into a plastic bag. Secure the stem, just above the root ball with string or twist ties. Pack the bagged plants carefully in boxes.
Water plants lightly the day before moving. Don’t water them on moving day. To prevent tipping, prune large plants that may be top heavy.
If you’re relocating to another destination, pack plants last so they’ll be first off the truck when you arrive at your new home. Don’t allow plants to remain in a vehicle overnight, and don’t leave them in the trunk of your car. Unpack them as soon as possible, especially during temperature extremes in summer and winter.