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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Yvette Taylor was born with a green thumb and a zeal for writing. As a proud plant parent and a journalist, she has found a way to merge her two biggest passions into one vision – writing for her fellow green thumbs and helping them help their leafy friends have the best life possible.
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