Can You Move Plants Interstate?
Yes! Moving pot plants interstate is absolutely possible with the right preparation.
Each Australian state has different quarantine rules. Proper care can mean the difference between thriving plants and sad, droopy ones.
Most Plants OK
Common house plants can travel interstate with proper prep
Check Quarantine
WA & TAS have strict rules—verify before you move
Prep is Key
Start preparing 1-2 weeks before your move date
Important: State Quarantine Rules
Western Australia and Tasmania have strict biosecurity rules. Some plants, especially those with soil, may need inspection or may not be allowed. Check your destination state's requirements before moving.
How to Prepare Your Plants
Prune Back
Remove dead leaves, long branches, dying foliage
Treat Pests
Check for insects and treat—don't transport pests!
Consider Repotting
Move fragile ceramics to lightweight plastic
Water Thoroughly
Give a good drink, but NOT on moving day (wet soil is heavy!)
Remove Saucers
Take off drainage saucers and decorative pot covers
Wrap Delicates
Use paper or cotton—avoid plastic (plants need to breathe)
Secure Pots
Place in boxes with newspaper padding to prevent tipping
Keep Upright
Plants should always travel standing up, never on their side
What Plants Travel Best?
✅ Great Travelers
- • Succulents & cacti
- • Snake plants
- • Pothos & philodendrons
- • ZZ plants
- • Spider plants
⚠️ Need Extra Care
- • Fiddle leaf figs (drama queens!)
- • Orchids
- • Large palms
- • Flowering plants
- • Ferns (sensitive to dry air)
Interstate Quarantine Guide
Australia takes biosecurity seriously. Here's a quick guide by state:
Western Australia Strict
Managed by DPIRD. Most plants require inspection and certification.
WA Import Rules →Tasmania Strict
NRE Tas requires all plants to be declared. Strict rules on fruit hosts.
TAS Traveller's Guide →South Australia Moderate
Zero tolerance for fruit fly host material. Check the official Fruit Fly site.
Fruit Fly SA →Northern Territory Moderate
Permits often required. Soil must be free of ants and pests.
Plants & Quarantine NT →NSW / VIC / QLD Relaxed
Generally permitted, but check for specific outbreaks (e.g. Fire Ants).
Can Moving Again Transport My Plants?
Yes! We transport pot plants as part of our backloading service.
Properly Prepared
Plants must be wrapped and secured before transport
Hardy Varieties Best
Succulents and tough plants handle longer transits well
Your Quarantine Check
You're responsible for meeting destination state requirements
Owner's Risk
Plants travel at owner's risk—they're living things!
Planning an interstate move with plants?
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