Hi all :)

I would absolutely love to know what this plants name is. My husband and I love her very much.
We're moving to America from Europe in a few months and want dearly to take her with us.
We were surprised last year when she ( I'm not sure how to phrase it) bloomed beautiful vibrant orange flowers. They didn't last very long and since then she hasn't had anymore. She doesn't seem to require a lot of water and all either.

This is a florist's kalanchoe. I'm not sure how easy/difficult it will be to bring plant matter into the US. There are lots of laws regarding even innocuous species such as vegetables. You may have to pay thousands of francs and go through a weeks-long process, so be sure to check with US Customs and the USDA beforehand (I speak as someone who has done this and paid a lot of money and time). Kalachoes are easily obtained once in the US, too.

I believe there is a difference in requirements between bringing in one's own houseplants when moving, as opposed to purchasing plants from other countries while resident in the USA. Definitely check with the USA phytosanitary authorities/customs what the restrictions are and make sure they know you're moving and it's a houseplant coming with you. It may need to be free of soil/potting mix for example.

You could also find out what would be required to bring in cuttings instead of the whole plant with roots. Cuttings should root easily once in their new home.

But as Jai says, you can buy them in North America too.

In my experience, it doesn't matter if it is a full plant, a cutting, or a seed. The concern is not the plant itself, but any microbial plant organisms that might inadvertently be present. I know of a lady who was arrested (never charged, but she was arrested) for having tomato seeds in her purse. They were seeds from a tomato she had eaten at a restaurant in France and wanted to keep, and the dog at the airport detected it. She had no idea what the dog was doing, as she thought it was looking for drugs. It's kind of weird how specific the process can be. She forfeited the seeds to the USDA, they were destroyed, and she was released without issue.

I had animals imported from Germany once and there was a bit of dried hay in the crate. This caused me to be detained overnight (though not arrested) and questioned by the USDA, Fish and Wildlife Service, and FDA. I had to agree to having all plant matter destroyed by incineration and the shipping crate destroyed as well. Pretty hardcore.

The cuttings comment was more intended along the lines of being a lot easier to transport than the whole plant, Jai. It also gets around the soil issue. But whether that would put them in another category for import requirements I'm not sure, if it is still the case that houseplants (whole) in transit with someone moving have a little more leeway.

Here's a starting point for Cait312
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answe...

Honestly, florist's kalanchoes are so commonly and easily available here in the US (and in a variety of bloom colors & types) that unless that specific plant has sentimental value it wouldn't be worth it to try to import it with your move.

If you do decide you want to try to bring it with you, I would suggest shipping it to the US separately from your household goods shipment - you don't want your shipment tied up in customs just due to a small plant. I work in global corporate relocation, so have some experience in this area (not specifically with plants, tho). If a relocation company is assisting your move to the US, you might also reach out to them to see if they might have any advice.

You might also check around in your area to see if there are any nurseries that ship plants (legally) to the US and see what information or possible assistance they might be able to provide.