How do i care for a plant while traveling?

Question

I am going on a 6 hour trip in a car and i want to bring a small houseplant with me, should i keep it in the bag it came in or water it and let it "breath" or maybe something else? I'm lost, please help.

Answer 1

Assuming since you still have the bag it came in, you just recently purchased this plant. It should be fine in the bag during the trip. Just be careful of it when stopping so you do not let it swelter in a hot car.

Otherwise, you could set the plant in a box that can prevent it from tipping over with the motion of the car. Add a little water and go.

Answer 2

If you will be using the air conditioner or heater or opening the car windows for outside air, you should place a plastic bag over the plant to stop it from being damaged by drafts or dessicated by dry or moving air. You must not set it in sun with the plastic on it or the inside of the bag will heat up - so you need to shade the bag as well. Other than that, it does not require special watering or other care for a six-hour ride. If you are leaving the car and going indoors, bring the plant so the car interior does not become too hot or too cold and shocks the plant - or park it in the shade with the windows open if the weather is hot or do not leave it for long if the weather is cold.

Answer 3

I have seen landscapers transport their plants in kraft paper...wrapped up like an upside-down ice cream cone, so that the leaves are protected, but open at the top so that the plant can get air.

Also, you might want to put a couple of ice cubes on the soil...this will allow the plant to have a slow supply of water that won't spill.

Answer 4

I used to snag clippings in my travels--I'd wrap the root area with a wet paper towel & stick it in a paper, styrofoam or whatever cup & put it in the cupholder

Answer 5

6 hours isn't a long time so just make sure it is in a position that it wont be damaged/broken.