Helpful Tips for Transporting House Plants in Colorado

If you think moving is stressful for people, it can be murder on plants. Just ask the family from Holyoke, whose dragon plant (dracaena) died a few days after they moved to Crested Butte. 

On the move in Colorado? Keep scrolling for a few essential tips for transporting plants across the Centennial State safely and legally.

Plant Transport in Colorado: Let's Think About This

How well do you get along with your plants? Depending on where you are moving in Colorado, it may be best to gift that plant to a friend. Our state is a land of diverse elevations and climates. Not every plant will thrive here.

If you're moving to a managed community in Colorado, be aware that the neighborhood or HOA might have rules about what kinds of plants you can bring. And if you're coming from a quarantined area, like a place dealing with Japanese beetles, you might run into extra restrictions. To get a better idea of what plants will thrive where you're headed, Coloradans can check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Preparing Your Plants For The Journey

How do I prepare plants for moving day? Set dates to limit watering before the move (so plants are not too wet and not too dry). Clean plants by removing dead leaves and any pests before packing. You might repot some plants into plastic containers to reduce weight.

If you can help it, avoid moving plants on days when temperatures are above 100 degrees or below zero. Plants that are budding or flowering may not respond well to big moves. Once you are ready to pack, check out this picture-perfect pack-a-plant video from Pods Moving and Storage.

Read More: The Best Drought-Tolerant Plants For Successful Colorado Gardens

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How Do I Acclimate My Plants in Colorado?

Everything should start indoors. When your plants arrive at your new place, bring them inside. If you can’t, set them in shady, mild places. Slowly reintroduce sun and wind, especially if you are at a higher altitude than before. Plants experiencing transplant shock usually drop leaves or start to yellow after a couple of days.

Read More: These 6 Plants Are Illegal to Grow in Colorado

Joy Us Garden says when moving houseplants, look for breathable boxes or even laundry baskets. Towels make for a good lining while traveling. Running a humidifier in your new home can help with dry air following your move. Ready to get moving? Best of luck transporting those plants.