How to Move Plants Safely - From California to Texas

Moving plants can be a tricky business - you don't want to damage them in the process, but you also want to get them to your new home in one piece. If you're moving from California to Texas, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to make sure your plants arrive safe and sound. Read on for our top tips!

How to Relocate Plants from California to Texas?

Moving plants from California to Texas is no small feat! It takes plenty of effort and cares to make sure your plants arrive in their new home safely and intact. Before taking the plunge, be sure that the climate and conditions in Texas are suitable for the plants you're relocating. Have a plan ready including what supplies will be necessary, such as containers with adequate holes, potting soil, and sand.

If possible it's best to time the moving process with the least disruption to your plants' sleep cycle, which can slow any lost leaves or stress damage. Once prepared, physically moving the plants needs to be done delicately. Any bumps along the way might damage leaves or stems — so drive slowly, secure them well when packing in cars or trucks, and keep water levels consistent.

Take into consideration any permits needed for transporting certain plant species if needed before crossing state lines. Providing resourceful planning and some extra TLC upon arrival just might guarantee success during your plants' long distance journey across the country.

How to Prepare Your Plants for the Move?

Moving can be a stressful process for everyone, including your plants. Whether it's houseplants or indoor plants, small or large plants, in-ground plants, succulents, or flowers, preparing them for the move is essential to ensure they make it to their new home in one piece and happy.

Before you start packing for Texas, you should trim down any dead or excess plant material and well as remove any weeds that may have accumulated in the soil. Dig around the base of the plant you wish to move. Be sure to do it carefully to leave room for the root system.

When it's time to pack up the plants, try to conserve as much of the root system or the root ball as possible. Make sure to water thoroughly beforehand so your plants are hydrated during transit.

Once everything is packed up, tape closed any open edges on pots that could lead to spills. If you follow these steps your plants will thank you with healthy growth when they settle into their new environment.

Change in Climate When Transporting Plants from California to Texas

When you’re looking to transport a plant from California to Texas, the change in climate should definitely not be overlooked. Texas is considered a subtropical climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters - different from California's primarily hot-summer Mediterranean, warm-summer Mediterranean, and hot desert climates according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

While there are plants that can tolerate this type of transition, research must be conducted beforehand to ensure the plant will survive in a new location. If you're moving your plants during summertime, keep them out of the sun and the root ball must be kept moist and well-saturated. Add a layer or two of compost or mulch to preserve moisture.

Perennials are best to move during the early spring and fall when temperatures are not overly warm and is the perfect time of the year to move things in your garden. These can be easily moved including shrubs and bulbs. To ensure the safe and secure transport of your potted plants, repot them into plastic containers with fresh sterile soil.

Replant it as soon as you arrive at your destination in your new planting site. As always, temperature levels within its new environment should be closely monitored until it has been properly acclimated or swapped out for another version that could withstand such conditions better. 

Ways to Ship or Transport Plants from California to Texas

There are a few different ways you could transport plants from California to Texas, depending on the type and size of the plants, and the resources you have available. Here are a few options to consider:

By Car

If the plants are small and you have a vehicle with enough room to transport them, this could be a convenient option. Just make sure the plants are properly secured in the car so they don't get damaged during the drive. To protect your plants, refrain from storing them in the trunk of a car or in an uncovered bed of a pickup truck or moving truck, as both spaces lack airflow and can be exposed to harsh weather.

By Plane

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows plants in both carry-on and checked bags, however, they can deny anything and have the final say on what you can carry. If you need to transport large or delicate plants, flying them may be the best option. You can ship the plants as cargo on a commercial flight, or as checked baggage if they are small enough.

By Courier or Mail

You can also ship the plants with a courier like FedEx or UPS. This may be the most expensive option but it can provide faster delivery. They can also give you package tracking service.

You can also ship the plants through the mail or parcel post. You will need to package the plants properly to protect them during transport, and this option may take longer than shipping with a courier.

Going a DIY route? It's a good idea to package the plants securely in a sturdy box and add insulation material like bubble wrap to keep the plants from getting damaged during transport. You can also stuff the box with some packing paper to close the open spaces.

Before moving day, make sure to include information about care tips for the plants, and their scientific names. If you're shipping with a moving company, inquire with them before you pack to know the mover's policy on moving plants interstate.

It is important to choose a shipping method to keep the plants safe, protect them from damage, and ensure that they arrive at their destination in good condition.

Acclimating Your Plants to Their New Home

After making the long distance travel from California to your new home in Texas, the last thing you'll want to do is to have to make your plants drift their way through another move.

Acclimating them beforehand will have a big part in how successfully that move is made. The key is introducing them to the environment they're transitioning into gradually, with extra protection from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

It's also important to provide water regularly but with caution so as not to shock them. You can purchase humidity packs for extra protection or use shallow trays filled with gravel on top of which you should place the pot and fill it up halfway with water. In time, your plants will thank you by flourishing in their exciting new home!

Moving Your Plants Safely from California to Texas

Now that you know the best time to move your plants and how to prepare them for the trip, you're ready for the journey.

California to Texas is a long drive, but if you follow our tips, it will be a successful one. Your plants will thank you when they arrive in their new home and see all the love and care you've put into making sure they arrive safe and sound.

Are you considering making the move to Austin from California? Click here to speak to a real estate consultant today!