transporting house plants

We are moving from Connecticut to California, and would like to find out how to transport our house plants. Any suggestions? We will have movers move the household stuff (and we don't really plan to drive across the country); so we are really hoping to find come commercial transport companies that may be able to do this.

They will take all your houseplants away, I'm sorry to say. That is the first question they ask when coming into CA. They don't allow them (or fresh fruits or veggies) into the state, for fear of bugs & diseases that could get out of control with the mild weather (no freeze). I'm sorry. This is time for you to got to "plan B," and find someone to love your plants.

Sari, if there are only a few that are particular favorites, you can package the plants, being careful to make sure that no pests or soil remains on the roots, and mail them to your new address. If the roots are wrapped in wet paper then put into plastic, they should survive the several-day journey in good condition.

Stella has a good point: CA has strict regulations about plants and ag products coming into the state; a lot of states do, as more data accumulates about potential for harm. You may want to find out whether the plants are on a banned list, and not bring those with you.

I have sent plants to various friends in CA, always being very careful to follow sanitary guidelines, ditto every other state's rules.

I need to find the link. There is a site by the state of Calif about what to do with house plants when coming into the state. They have to be inspected, they have to be at the back of the truck and some are not allowed. Give me a little while to find it and I'll post it. I remember reading it when looking for another state.

Sorry I posted so quickly. When I moved to the state absolutely no live plants were allowed in. Guess that's changed. Which means I can maybe order some from out-of-state? I've been living by 30-year-old rules. I'll be happy to see Calalily's link. I'll probably go crazy ordering plants from all over the place.

Found it. http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/pe/faq_hse_plnts.htm

I hope you can find some one to transport your plants for you. When I moved the last time it was only two hours away and I could not find one single moving company that would move my plants ! Good Luck!

Thanks for the messages. I have found that the CT dept. of agriculture will inspect the plants and certify them. That certificate should be good for the CA innspectors. However, I still haven't found any moving company willing to move the plants. With the distance and the temperatures, I would need someone dedicated to this!

I don't have a clue on this but do wish you the best of luck with your plants and with your move

I think if it were me, I'd do just like Lupy said. I'd mail them to the new address.

Good luck!

Let us know what you do, as others can learn from it.