Every plant lover would agree that plants make a house feels like home. Therefore, it’s only natural to want to bring them with you when you’re moving abroad. You’ve put so much effort into growing them, and you have them for months, maybe even years, so it doesn’t seem right to leave them behind. Moving abroad with plants might seem complicated, but don’t worry. We’ve prepared tips that will help you go through this process as stress-free as possible.

Get informed

Before you start preparing and packing your plants, you need to check if you are legally allowed to move all of them with you to another country. Many countries have specific regulations and laws concerning importing plants. Therefore, make sure to verify all information before trying to cross the border.

The main reason why countries don’t allow for certain plants to be imported is their impact on the ecosystem. It might seem like a good idea to sneak a couple of seeds of that beautiful flower you have growing in your garden. However, if the plant is non-native to a particular ecosystem, it can cause issues.

In the worst case, a non-native plant can take over the natural habitat of a native plant and go as far as making it extinct. Plants that don’t naturally grow in a specific area can attract pests which can be deadly to native plants. With no natural population controls, the issue spirals out of control.

Also, you need to check the growing conditions in the country you’re moving to. Not all vegetation thrives in every single environment, so it’s essential to consider the climate. Even house plants can be significantly affected by weather, so it’s crucial to do your research. After you move, you need to help your houseplants acclimatise to your new home.

The process of moving abroad with plants

Let’s be honest – international moving won’t be easy, especially if you plan on bringing your botanical friends with you. Besides doing your research, you will need to properly pack and hire the right kind of assistance. All the chances are you won’t be able to do it on your own.

To help you relocate internationally, we strongly recommend hiring a reliable moving company. However, due to liability issues, many moving companies won’t transfer plants, but they can help you make the rest of your moving process as easy as possible. That way, you can focus on your plants’ well-being.

Preparing plants for your international relocation

The first thing you need to do when moving abroad with plants is to gather necessary supplies and prepare them for the move. Here is a list of things you’ll need:

• A moving box for each pot. Try to find small boxes so that your plant doesn’t move around.
• Plastic pots as you need to replace clay pots while in transit
• Newspaper or packing paper
• Sterilized potting soil
• Plastic ties and bags

You will need all these things in order to get your plants ready for an international move. First, you should re-pot plants in plastic containers. It would be best if you did this a few weeks before the move with sterile soil, as your plant needs some time to settle. Pack the clay pots and hanging baskets so you can re-pot your plants after you move into your new place.

Make sure the roots stay damp during the move. To achieve this, water your plants a couple of days before moving. It’s also important to check for bugs. If the country you’re moving to requires specific certifications, you will want to hire an authorized examiner.

Packing and moving potted plants

Given that house plants are living, breathing organisms, you want to ensure they arrive intact and healthy to your new country. You can either move the whole plant or just a cutting. In any case, make sure to pack them last and unpack them first. This way, they will stay safe and healthy.

Packing a potted plant is relatively easy. First, you need to put a plastic bag over the pot. You should tie the bag at the base so that the soil is contained. Make sure that the bottom of the moving box is taped well before placing your plant inside.

If there is extra space in the box, fill it with newspaper or packing paper. This way, your plant will be secure and able to breathe. To allow for air to flow, you should poke holes in the box. Don’t exaggerate – a few holes on each side will do the trick.

If your plants are going to be transported by a third party (a moving or shipping company), make sure to label the boxes with “fragile” and “live plant”. This way, whoever is moving your plant will know to handle them with special care.

The best and safest way to transport your plants is in a temperature-controlled environment such as your car. If your plants are near you during the move, you can be confident they are well taken care of. If you plan on sleeping over anywhere during your transit, make sure to bring your plants inside. This is especially important if the weather outside is too hot or too cold.

Packing and moving a cutting plant

Things are a little bit different and easier when moving a cutting plant. If your plant is too big to carry, it is a great way to bring it with you. Usually, this is concerning outdoor plants. No matter how low maintenance your outdoor plant is, if it’s too big, it’s too big of a hassle to move it.

On the morning of your move, you should take a clean, sharp cut on an area of the bush or flower you want to bring with you. It should be 3-6 inches long, and you have to make sure that it’s healthy growth. Otherwise, it won’t survive the trip.

You need to properly pack the cutting to move it with you. Packing is simple – the most important is to make sure that the end is kept moist. You can do this by wrapping it in wet paper towels, which you will secure with rubber bands or plastic ties. You should keep your cuttings in a plastic stem holder, which you can buy at a local florist.

In conclusion

It’s completely understandable if you feel intimidated and overwhelmed before your big international move. Moving abroad with plants isn’t the easiest thing, but if you follow the advice from this article, you will make the process as smooth as possible.

We wish you and your botanical friends the best of luck with moving to a new country!

We are well aware of the stress that comes with moving home. Well, plants are just like people in this regard. They acclimate to their environment, and even the subtlest shifts in temperature and light can upset their balance. It will take some time before they finally adapt to their new digs. Even more importantly – it will take a little extra love and care on your part. Let us have a look at how you can help houseplants acclimate to your new home.

Keep things similar to what they’re used to

Your houseplants will be going through a process of acclimatization to their novel environment. This period can be very stressful for them, especially during the winter months. However, keeping things as similar as possible to what they were used to in your former abode may ease their transition to your new home. But precisely what do we mean by that? No two homes are identical, that’s true. But you’ll want to do your best to pay attention to draughty windows and heaters, observe general light and humidity levels, etc. For instance, you’d probably kept your cacti and succulents on a bright, sunny spot in your old home. So, find south or west-facing windows in your new home and place them there.

Inspect for damage

As to the moving damage, it’s next to impossible to keep everything pristine. You may be looking at an odd snapped leaf or two, plant wilting, off-colour foliage, leaf drop, and some of your hanging plants may need untangling. In any event, you should start examining your greens closely to determine the extent of the damage.

Salvage any injured plants

Plants are incredibly fragile, as you may know. For this reason, moving them to a new home requires some forethought and some know-how. To help houseplants acclimatize to your new home, you’ll want to do everything you can to ensure they don’t need a lot of salvaging to begin with. Make sure to properly prepare your plants before the move, and be careful during the process itself. However, if things are looking a bit droopy and unkempt when you arrive at your new home, there are things you can do to perk up a stress-damaged plant.

By nipping off any broken or dead leaves and stem ends, you will make sure that there’s room for new parts to grow. If stems or branches aren’t broken but only a bit damaged, grab a string or a piece of soft fabric. Next, stake the damaged area and tie it. Keep in mind that there’s no guarantee this will work. If not, you’ll want to prune the broken branch.

A few days after unwrapping your houseplants, you’ll see them slowly starting to adjust. Now it’s time to shift your attention to their watering needs. If any of your babies seem dry from the move, try filling your bathtub with a few centimetres of water. Next, let the pots have a little soak for about thirty minutes, give or take.

Check over your plants

Now that you’re done with the basics, you’ll want to keep tabs on them and see if you notice any changes. Do not think about giving any of your plants a re-pot immediately after the move. Adding another source of stress is by no means a way to help houseplants acclimate to your new home. They will be ready in a month or two. If it’s in the middle of the winter, however, it is best to hold off that decision until springtime. Right now, love, care, and some time to acclimatise are all they need.

 

Find out more about creating your own healthy indoor plant display at our dedicated houseplant hub page.

Anthurium is tropical species that we are lucky enough to be able to cultivate in our homes. This plant stands out with large, dark green, heart-shaped leaves. It is an evergreen plant that can bloom for months without excessive care. Some of the more popular species are Anthurium Crystallinum, Clarinervium, Veitchii but there are many more.

In adult plants, the leaves reach an impressive size, accompanied by unique flowers every year from June to February that will last for months.

 

Have I drawn your attention yet? Keep reading and you will learn how to cultivate this unique plant like a trained botanist!

Soil Requirements for Anthurium Care

These epiphytes usually grow in rock cracks or on limestone soil. They have big, fleshy roots that can easily rot in moist soil. Soil should be adjusted to the original conditions of this amazing plant so a well-drained, light and the loose substrate is best.

The roots need constant good aeration, but the soil mixture should retain enough moisture to keep them hydrated between watering. They need a balanced substrate that is neither too dry nor too moist.

Orchid and potting soil mixture or a pre-made orchid mix is most commonly used. You can prepare the right mixture for your flamingo flower by yourself. Use a mixture of humus, peat, and sharp sand. The soil must be highly permeable. A slightly acidic soil can also have great benefits for these plants. The recommended range is from 5.5 pH to 6.5 pH.

Anthurium Light Requirements

A location with partial shade or indirect daylight will make Anthuriums thrive. They can tolerate the gentle early sun, and they will greatly appreciate the long hours of bright light for the rest of the day. Keep in mind that they can’t stand being exposed to direct sun rays.

East-facing windows are most favorable for this plant. Windows facing West will provide enough light, but be careful because the intense afternoon sun could scorch their leaves. Direct sun exposure on a south-facing window will almost certainly be too intense for this tropical plant.

 

Once a week, clean the leaves of your plant with a damp cloth. Cleaning the leaves is healthy for the whole plant. Removing dust allows better absorption of natural light and encourages plant growth.

Anthurium Watering Needs

These tropical beauties need regular watering. During the summer, they should be watered moderately every two to three days. During the winter you can water once every ten to twelve days. It is recommended to use rainwater, distilled or boiled water which has been left to cool.

One way to make sure you don’t over-water your plant is to place the pot in a deeper container of water and leave it to soak for a while. When you notice that the air bubbles have stopped coming out, move the pot onto the side to drain before returning it to its usual position.

When pouring the water directly into the pot, make sure the soil is allowed to dry well before the next watering. Anthurium plants have thick, dense roots that rot easily in waterlogged soil. The appearance of yellow and dry Anthurium leaves can happen due to excessive watering or soil dryness.

Temperature and Humidity

Anthurium is native to the rainforests of Mexico, so it is quite natural that they require a humid environment and high indoor temperatures for proper growth.

The optimal temperature range is between 16C (60.8°F) and 30C (86°F). The temperature of the room should be balanced at all times, because sudden jumps or drops in temperature could damage the plant.

Given the natural habitat of this plant, it’s not surprising that the ideal place for your Anthurium plant is the bathroom or kitchen due to the increased humidity. These are the rooms that will best resemble the warm, humid conditions that they enjoy. If you want to place it somewhere else, make sure it is as far away from the heaters as possible, because they dry the moisture from the air.

Adequate humidity during the summer months can be maintained by spraying the foliage with a mist of warm water. In summer, when the heat is great, they can be sprayed several times during the day, and in winter once a day when the air in the room is dry. Avoid excessive spraying is also not good as it can lead to necrosis of the leaves.

Fertilizing

If you want to have a plant of lush and large leaves, fertilize twice a month from spring to autumn. Avoid feeding in winter when growth is minimal. Keep in mind that too much fertilizer can be just as harmful as excessive watering.

For potted plants like your Anthurium, liquid fertilizers are better absorbed and easy to apply. They are highly concentrated, so you would have to dilute them before use. Always follow the instructions carefully.

 

Propagation

These ornamental plants can be propagated in the spring by planting seeds, or by dividing young plants that grow at the base of a large plant.

Anthurium seeds are sown in the same soil in which the adult plant was grown. Until the seedlings sprout, it is recommended to keep the pots in partial shade. When the first shoots sprout, move the pots to the bright daylight. Finally, take the young plants out of the ground with the roots and plant them in a separate pot.

When using the root division method, it is necessary to remove the plant from the pot. Divide them gently without damaging the roots. They should be planted immediately in different pots.

When using older plants to divide the roots, make sure that each part has its root system and leaves. Store the pots in a place with high humidity where temperatures never go below 16C (60.8°F). These babies should be watered regularly to keep the compost moist.

Repotting and Pruning

Young Anthuriums are sometimes transplanted once a year due to intensive growth. It is advised to transplant in March or April. Older plants are usually transplanted once every two years or whenever the roots become tight in their pots.

 

The new pot should match the size of the plant. Never transplant into oversized pots, but one or two sizes larger than the old one .  Choose a fairly wide and low pot because of the short roots this species has. The above-ground part of the plant should remain above the ground and, as it grows, additionally cover it with a loose base of moss.

Summary

With gentle care, Anthurium will grow and bloom for many years. It is extremely durable and doesn’t require a lot of time to give it the conditions it needs. I’m sure it will be worth the effort when you feel the touch of exotic tropical regions spreading through your home. Here’s a quick summary of my Anthurium growing tips!

• Use a fast-draining substrate
• Provide medium to bright light exposure
• Keep the air humid by misting
• Water regularly with distilled water
• Maintain temperature
• Feed it with organic fertilizer
• Cut damaged leaves regularly
• Transplant every two years

We hope this article will help your anthuriums to thrive. For more exotic plants advice and tips, visit our hub – T&M’s ultimate resource on tropical plants.

While many people are not aware of it, the fact is that indoor plants act as nature’s very own air purifiers. Many scientists have now suggested that it is very important to use air-purifying plants in both your home as well as your office to help detoxify the atmosphere in the space where you live and breathe.

According to a study conducted by NASA, there are quite a few air-purifying plants and their associated microorganisms have the potential to detoxify your home from air pollutants, various toxins, and bacteria.

 It has now been confirmed that the more plants you have in your home, the easier it is for them to work collectively and make a substantial difference in the overall quality of the air inside. They are also known for their calming effect, reducing stress and improving your wellbeing. Best of all, indoor houseplants are now part and parcel of many interior design books. In fact these plants are now rapidly becoming a trend that is here to stay!

Let’s take a look at which plants make great investments in terms of increasing the air quality in your home.

 

Baberton Daisy (Gerbera)

Gerberas are some of the prettiest plants out there and not only does it help to inject a cheerful burst of bright orange, red, pink, or yellow, into your home, it is also a highly effective cleanser. It rids the air of many common toxins that are typically found in household equipment. This includes trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, as well as benzene which are found in a vast range of different household materials, such as paints and many common synthetic fibres. 

You should place the plant in a room where there is plenty of natural light while trying to keep the soil reliably moist, but with adequate drainage.

 

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The snake plant also goes by the rather tongue-in-cheek name “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue.” Once you place this plant in your bedroom, you can rest assured that you will be in for a really good night’s sleep. It belongs to the succulent plants’ group and this particular yellow-tipped succulent has the capacity to release plenty of oxygen at night.

Furthermore, the Snake Plant is also one of the best plants when it comes to filtering the air in your home of the toxic chemicals formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, xylene, and trichloroethylene. While it thrives as a potted plant, you should be careful not to overwater this plant as its roots are prone to rot in excessively moist soil.

 

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace Lilies are popular for their glossy leaves and elegant white flowers, but they are also rated one of the best for improving air quality. These plants neutralise toxic gases like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide making your home a safer and cleaner place. They will even improve the humidity of a room, boosting it by up to 5%.

With their calming good looks and air purifying abilities, they make a great choice for enhancing the tranquillity of your bedroom to ensure a better night’s sleep. Give your Peace Lily a bright spot away from hot direct sun and it will thrive with minimal upkeep.

 

Placement of Air Purifying House Plants

All these plants must be placed carefully if you are going to utilize them properly, while simultaneously making sure that your home looks as nice as possible. If the plant is unable to flourish then it won’t be able to do its job, so it’s important to ensure that you provide the best growing conditions for your plants.

Consider their light requirements as some prefer hot sun, while other enjoy a shaded spot. If their leaves become scorched then they will be less effective at purifying the air.  You’ll also need to learn how much water each plant requires, and remember to feed them regularly too!

You may even need an unassembled cabinet to store all the equipment one needs to grow plants indoors. It will save you the hassle of going outside to the shed to fetch tools for your houseplants each time they need some attention.

Houseplants are an awesome way of purifying the air in your home in a perfectly safe and 100 percent natural manner. There are plenty of plants that can detoxify your home, and purify the air you breathe in your living space so it’s well worth investing in a few.

 

Gone are the days when plants were restricted to balconies or gardens. In modern decor, they are being given a place in the drawing-room, the kitchen, and even the bedroom. Apart from adding to the beauty of your indoor spaces, plants also purify the air and make the environment healthy. They regulate the levels of oxygen in the air and reduce carbon dioxide.

These plants are not even expensive and also work to uplift people’s moods and cheer them up. Now, having plants in your house isn’t as easy as it sounds. Therefore, in this article, we shall be addressing ways to keep your plants healthy and take good care of them.

 

What are the best indoor plants?

There are many plants (especially, the tropical ones) that can be grown in small pots in your home. Sansevieria, Philodendron, Pothos, ZZ plant, and most succulents make excellent indoor plants.

A good indoor plant must have two basic properties. It should be able to grow in less humidity and less light than most outdoor plants. It also shouldn’t grow at a rapid rate, since you have limited space indoors for plants.

Here are a few plants that are perfect for being grown indoors.

Aspidistra:

A low maintenance plant which will not consume much water and can even survive periods of drought (when you are away on holiday). This plant also does not require much light to grow making it useful for shaded corners of your home.

Aglaonema:

These plants are mostly planted for their attractive foliage but they will also grow in a wide range of light conditions and do not grow particularly quickly.

Philodendrons:

These plants are very easy to grow, even for beginners, and cope very well with indoor conditions. Climbing Philodendrons can be trained to make use of vertical spaces making them especially versatile.

How to take care of your indoor plants:

Choosing the right plants to grow indoors will make caring for them so much easier. Different plants need different kind of care. Therefore, a suitable amount of research must be done to ensure that plants are taken good care of. Here are some tips that could help you get the best from your houseplants.

1. You must make sure that the soil in which you have planted your plant isn’t too dry or too moist. Take the time to learn what moisture level you plants require as they will all vary.
2. Choose a pot that has holes in its bottom, so that excess water can be drained away through it to prevent waterlogging.
3. Ensure that your plants receive appropriate amounts of light (either artificially or naturally). Again, take some time to learn what light levels your chosen plants require and then position them with this in mind.

 

Where can indoor plants be placed?

You could choose some small plants like Chinese Money Plant and Begonia rex and place them on your desk in your workspace, or on a windowsill or shelf. Some plants that are a bit larger are better positioned as a table centre piece or stood on the ground in your living areas to create a focal point. Philodendrons, Monstera and Kentia Palms make good choices.

By using potted plants, you can implement some home remodeling changes, adding those finishing touches to your interior design.

Conclusion:

There are many other benefits of having indoor plants. They increase the amount of oxygen in the air, make the air fresh, uplift your mood and also add to the decor of your house. There are so many houseplants to choose from that you are sure to find one to suit your style.

 

Hibiscus flowers are one of the most beautiful flowers you can find. And guess what? They can be easily grown in your own home or garden.

Let’s discuss what are the most popular types of Hibiscus and what you can do to properly care for them, whether you opt for a hardy garden variety or a tender house plant.

 

Types of Hibiscus

In total, there are more than 200 known species of Hibiscus. The most suitable Hibiscus to grow indoors is Chinese Hibiscus, otherwise known as Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Whereas Hibiscus syriacus, or if we use its other name, Rose of Sharon prefers to be grown outdoors.  Hardy Hibiscus syriacus are more widely available that the the tender indoor types, and you will find a superb range of flower colours on offer.

Now, let’s find out a bit more about them.

 

1. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Apollo’

Hibiscus rosa-Sinensis ‘Apollo’ has very pretty flowers with a mix of yellow, orange, and red colors, making it look almost like a Sun, hence its name, after the Greek god of Sun. This variety was bred especially for larger flowers, so it makes quite an impression in the conservatory or a bright, sunny room indoors.

 

2. Hibiscus syriacus ‘Pink Chiffon’

Hibiscus syriacus ‘Pink Chiffon’ is quite recognizable, due to its ruffled, double pink flowers that don’t appear until quite late in the summer, but deliver plenty of colour while early summer plants are starting to fade. It really likes direct sunlight, enjoying 6 hours of direct sun per day, so make sure it is placed in a bright location.

 

3. Hibiscus ‘Starburst Chiffon’

Hibiscus ‘Starburst Chiffon’ will really add an exotic feel to your garden, with its huge semi- double flowers with the crimson-red streaks. This hibiscus species can grow up to 150cm in height and spread, making a fabulous specimen shrub that will really make an eye-catching display.

 

4. Hibiscus ‘Big Hibiskiss’

Hibiscus ‘Big Hibiskiss’ comes with extra big flowers that grow up to 18cm (7”) across! It makes an incredible focal point for late summer borders. This impressive variety comes from British breeding, with flowers that are much flatter than most other varieties.

 

5. Hibiscus syriacus ‘Oiseau Bleu’

Hibiscus syriacus ‘Oiseau Bleu’ is  a real head-turner for its silky blue flowers. Like many Hibiscus it is often one of the last plants in the garden to begin leafing-up after winter – often not until May. It’s worth waiting for though, as the late summer flowers will keep going right into autumn.

 

Hibiscus Care

Watering

First of all, most Hibiscus like moderately wet soil, with the ability to drain well. This means that if you are gardening on clay soil, you may need to mix in some grit, sand and garden compost when planting , to increase its drainage.

If you are growing it in a pot then make sure that there are plenty of drainage holes in the base of the pot to allow good drainage, and prevent it becoming water-logged.

Pot grown plants will need regular watering during the summer months. Plants grown in borders should be able to look after themselves once they are established, so you will only need to water them for the first month or two after planting.

Sunlight

Hibiscus likes sunlight, so whether you are growing a hardy variety outdoors or a tender houseplant, make sure that they are in a bright spot.

Fertiliser

You can use fertiliser to help your hibiscus to grow. Feed them with a liquid plant food every 4 weeks from spring to late summer.

Pruning

Indoor Hibiscus rosa-sinensis won’t really need pruning so there’s no need to worry if you are growing this type.

Hardy Hibiscus syriacus should be pruned in in late spring, just as the leaf buds are opening. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and lightly prune the rest to shape the plant.

As you can see, Hibiscus plants are really easy to grow and don’t need a lot of special care. You can enjoy their bright flowers outdoors or in your home. Wherever you grow yours, you will love its exotic-looking flowers!

Visit our hub page to learn more about exotic plants including how to grow different types of tropical flowers and fruit. Or if you want to pick up tips on growing summer flowering plants, take a look at our helpful hub page.