DD is moving grim Cali to FL in March. She has a large plumie in a pot she wants to bring with her. Its a 'California Sunset ', I believe. It is not dormant. What are her options for 1) preparing it for a road trip in the car, or 2) packing it well for the Navy to move it for her? Ill post a pic when I get one. Please, if you suggest cutting it back at all, would you please show is which branches and where? TIA

I would not cut it back and leave it in its pot, place in a large box with plenty of newspaper wrapped around to cushion it. It will be fine without water for some days. If it will be without water longer - like more than a week - I would maybe cut back some of the leaves to reduce the risk of dehydration.

Will the Navy move plants? We were with the Army for years, and they never moved my plants!

If I had a choice I would move my plants myself.

I've always moved my own plants and have never had any problems.

I would move it myself, just because I wouldn't want it to get lost or mishandled. If you box it up and tell the movers that it needs to go, then they will take it no question, but there is no telling which route they will take or how long it may possibly get stored in a cold warehouse. We never have the Navy move us. We always do it ourselves. I agree with Hetty, it should be fine no cutting or anything. I have luckily only moved dormant plants, and they are less of a hassle.

The problem may be in getting the plant into Florida. It has to be inspected and have a sanitation certificate - just like in CA. There are inspection stations at all the major highways. (hint, not on local roads) Movers are not allowed to bring plants into FL without the certificates. I would suggest she bring it herself and make sure it is not obvious she is transporting plants. I brought a lot of plants to my son there before I found out it was against the law.

Meant to add it is only against the law if they are not inspected.

And if the moving van is not loaded with only your daughter's furniture, there will be stops across the country to unload the other shipments. It could be a week or more before getting to Florida. If they haven't yet found a place to live, it could be in storage until they do.
(Been there, done that, many times. Retired Air Force wife).

ardesia said:The problem may be in getting the plant into Florida. It has to be inspected and have a sanitation certificate - just like in CA. There are inspection stations at all the major highways

Is this a current thing?! I was not aware that Florida had these California style restrictions. Definitely news to me. If you are bringing it, then you definitely want to bring it legally and correctly. Would hate to have it confiscated on the way in.

Not new, signs have been there for years. There are inspection stations, which look just like the weigh stations, on all the major highways as you enter the state from the north or west. All trailers have to be inspected. We found out it is unlawful to leave FL with agricultural or horticultural material also. My FL kids were transporting some furniture up here in a Uhaul and were pulled because they did not stop to have the trailer inspected. I can't tell you how many times I have brought plants home from FL.

I honestly had no idea. Not to take over the thread or get off of the original subject, but I am about to be moving to Washington State (Navy move as well), will I have an issue getting my plants out of Florida? Do they need to have certifications to leave the state as well?

For citrus - Yes. For the rest, it is often better to ask forgiveness rather than permission.

I will look into it and see what all I need to do. Hopefully it's nothing major, since we leave in 12 days! How did I not know that Florida had these regulations?

You're not off subject at all @Jamesacclaims. DD will need to know how to bring her plant into the state. How does she get "permission" to bring some of her potted plants into Florida.

They aren't moving for 8 weeks. She says her plumeria is very wide (it is a dwarf
I think?) and that it is flexible. I guess it needs water but it is good that way for now. I told her to take it out of the California sunshine to help acclimate it to a dark box. Using a long piece of wide cloth, tie it around in 2-3 points to bring the tree "up", branches closer together since it is "bendy" as she says. She will tighten is as much without breaking over the next few weeks. Eventually she will use newspaper between the spaces to protect it. Ii suggested going to an appliance store for a stove or oven-size box. They are nice and heavy.

What do you think of that plan?
Now to research plant certification for entrance into the state.

Found this:

Non-Commercial Shipments (Home Owner) Plants

Non-commercial shipments of (homeowner) plants that are part of a passenger's baggage or household effects may enter the state provided the plants are accompanied by a certificate of inspection. These plants would include non-commercial shipments of plants grown indoors and outdoors. Should the plants originate from a state that does not offer an inspection and certification service for house plants, the owner must be able to furnish the department a Florida address where the plants will be located. This information will enable the department to conduct a follow-up inspection if deemed necessary. If sufficient information is given, the plants will be allowed entry.

NOTE: It is unlawful to move into Florida any and all kinds of citrus trees and parts thereof except by a special permit from the division director. Permits are not required to move citrus fruits into the state.

She can call her local agricultural extension service and they should have inspection procedures.

A long time ago I moved from AZ to CA with a lot of plants. My government extension service was able to arrange for my plants to be inspected. We were given a certificate to show at the border, and all was fine. I don't think it's tough to get, and at least at that time there was no charge. I imagine there might be a small charge now.

I know bringing plants into Cali is a big deal. Maybe as big as a deal as bringing plants into FL?? I think it would be easiest for her to get clearance when she leaves then no matter what state she's in she'll be clear. She can also ask about her Lime tree. But I've already told her to donate it to a nursing home.

I agree. She should do it in her state before she leaves, so there won't be any bad surprises. None of us want to lose our pampered babies!