Hey. So im going to be traveling and am planning on taking a plant with me. I already asked and i can take it with me it just cant have soil. Its going to be a Philodendron Congo. So my question is, will they handle being a couple hours like that? Any recommendations as to how to handle them? Itll just be for a couple of hours untill i get home.

I am confused. Why are you taking the plant with you? How far and by what means are you traveling? Is this a plant you already have? Why can't you have soil? Are you planning to remove all the soil from the roots?

Please explain so we know what you are doing.

I imagine there's a border crossing involved, Will, under phytosanitary requirements approved plants can cross but soil cannot. US/Mexico, since it's only two hours?

A Philodendron support plant?

I think your Philodendron (Philodendron tatei subsp. melanochlorum 'Congo') will do fine for a two hour trip as long as it isn't subjected to freezing temperatures. If you are traveling by air, I'd suggest carryiny the plant on board the plane, rather than packing it in your enclosed luggage that would be in the cold cargo hold of the plane. I'd suggest that you wrap the roots with moist paper towels and then wrap in a thick layer of newspaper. You can tape the newspaper to keep the paper towels intact and place it in a plastic or canvas bag to carry on the plane.

So im in Puerto rico at the moment and i found one here that i cant find for a good price in Los Angeles. I am traveling by airplane. Customs already told me that regulations are that i can take the plant woth me as long as it doesn't have soil. So it'll be a 8-9 hour long trip from PR to LA. Thank you Plantladylin that sounds like a hreat idea. I just hope they last the 8 hour trip tho. I will take it woth me in my lap in the plane. They will not be too big.

Jacob, I've done the same thing, and my plants were fine. Good luck!

If you follow Lin's advice, your plant should be fine even for a long flight with delays. Not to worry.

Of bigger concern is repotting it after you arrive. Use the smallest pot that the roots will fit into along with just enough potting mix the cover the roots. Use a peat-based potting mix with added perlite. Keep the newly potted plant in a moderately bright location and keep the soil barely damp as the roots adapt to their new environment.

Have a safe journey!