Moving with plants 2.0

Published on 8/5/2022

Moving with plants 2.0

 

Before getting a storage unit together for your plants we need to touch base on state regulations when crossing state lines with plants; yes, you read that right state regulations for plants. First lets quickly ask ourselves, can you take plants across state lines? They’re houseplants, you may think no biggie, surprisingly enough there are laws and regulations about moving plants out of state. Usually, you can take houseplants when you move to different states without too much trouble. However, there are important factors to consider when plants cross state lines, like disease outbreak and insect infestation. There are numerous states that rely heavily on crops for revenue such as potatoes in Idaho, citrus in California, corn in Indiana; will diligently protect their land with strict plant regulations.

Check the USDA Regulations, States Department of Agriculture, Check Current Infestations in Your State if you’re having trouble finding any information for the state you are moving to you can call your current state’s Department of Agriculture. Several federal entities, including the USDA, have outlined laws for transporting plants. There is even a Plant Protection and Quarantine Program. If you’re moving to the U.S. from another country or shipping your plants, there’s an entire alternative set of criteria to contend with. Some states regulate the transport of certain plants. California, Arizona, and Florida are especially known for rigid restrictions on transporting plants.

 

Here are a few ways that states regulate the transport of plants:

 

• plants that are grown and kept only indoors
• All potted plants have fresh, sterile potting soil
• Plants to undergo inspections and/or requiring a certificate confirming a prior inspection
• Subjecting plants to a quarantine period
• Requiring that plants be treated for pests and disease before transport
• Confiscating plants at borders
• Banning some plants all together

·         Some states may require certifications

• there may be restrictions on exotic plants and any plants that have been cultivated outdoors.

·         When you move from a state infested with the gypsy moth to a non-infested state, there is an inspection that will have to be done to all common outdoor items that may carry the gypsy moth.

 

There are a few “solutions” if you run into any problems:

Repot – Change your plants soil with plenty of time to even add some quarantine time to them to make sure it is free of infections and/or infestations. Schedule a time for an official to inspect your plants prior to leaving.

Cuttings – take a few cuttings of your plants and wrap them in wet moss, cover that with a Ziplock bag or saran wrap to keep them moist. This will help promote root growth on your cuttings as well as preventing them from drying out and dying.

Gift or sell – Find a suitable person to gift or sell your plants to, you can always rebuy the plants you cannot take with you as this will definitely help you avoid inspections and/or even get a big fine for bringing a plant that it is not in accordance with the state’s regulations.