Flower and Plant Transport: A Practical Guide

Flower and plant transport works best when you prevent movement, protect delicate growth and manage moisture for the journey. Cut flowers need protected stems and a plan for hydration; potted plants need stable pots, contained soil and space around their leaves. Keep both away from direct sun, strong draughts and luggage that could crush them.

Start by distinguishing between moving something you already own and ordering a gift for someone elsewhere. A bouquet travelling across town needs different preparation from a tall houseplant moving home. If your aim is to send flowers to family or friends in Russia, you can arrange delivery there while keeping your own travel plans separate.

Assess the flowers, plant and journey before packing

Look at the shape of the item before choosing a container. A hand-tied bouquet needs support around its stems without pressure on the flower heads. A leafy plant needs room around its crown, while a plant with long, brittle shoots may need individual supports. Lift a potted plant by its container, never by its trunk, stems or foliage.

Check the route from its current position to its destination, including stairs, doorways and the walk to your vehicle. Measure tall plants against the available upright space. Remove loose ornaments and empty saucers before moving anything. For large or heavy pots, arrange enough help to lift safely without dragging the plant by its growth.

Consider the whole journey, including stops and waiting time. A short drive can still expose flowers to heat if they sit in a parked car, and repeated transfers increase the chance of damage. For flights or international moves, check the carrier's rules and the destination's plant-entry requirements before packing; wrapping alone does not establish permission to travel.

Pack cut flowers without squeezing the bouquet

Keep the bouquet's existing stem tie in place if it holds the arrangement securely. Add clean paper around the outside to prevent snagging, leaving enough room for the blooms to retain their shape. Do not tighten wrapping across open petals. Carry the bouquet by its wrapped stems rather than gripping the flower heads or using decorative paper as a handle.

For a brief journey without a vase, a clean, damp wrap around the cut stem ends can limit drying. Enclose that wet portion in a waterproof sleeve to contain moisture, keeping petals and decorative wrapping dry. This is temporary protection: for a longer trip, plan how the stems will receive water and check that the arrangement cannot leak or tip.

If you use a bucket or vase, choose one that supports the stems and secure it inside a stable outer container. Keep leaves out of the water and leave the blooms above the container's rim. Avoid transporting a heavy glass vase loose on a seat. Our guide to transporting cut flowers explains packing and water arrangements in more detail.

Bouquets we can deliver

Bouquet of 1 yellow sunflowers

$13

Bouquet of 1 white lilies

$19

Bouquet of 1 pink lilies

$19

Bouquet of 3 gerberas mix

$20

Prepare potted plants and contain the soil

Check the potting mix before deciding whether to water. A plant that is already moist does not need another soaking simply because it is moving. If watering is due, allow excess water to drain before packing. Waterlogged containers are heavier, spill more easily and can leave roots sitting in collected water during the journey.

Place the pot in a sturdy box with padding around the container so it cannot slide. Protect a decorative outer pot separately if it is loose or fragile. You can cover exposed soil with paper secured around the pot rim, leaving stems uncompressed. Keep the pot upright; a soil cover reduces mess but does not make sideways transport suitable.

Bring flexible foliage gently together only where it moves without resistance, using a loose paper sleeve if needed. Do not force stiff leaves or branching stems into a narrow tube. Keep cactus spines away from neighbouring plants and protect yourself when handling them. Avoid sealing a plant in an airtight bag, particularly if it will be exposed to warmth or sunlight.

Load the vehicle and manage exposure on the way

Load flowers and plants after heavy luggage so you can give them a protected position. Keep them clear of sliding bags and closing doors. A box on a level footwell may work for a small pot if it fits securely and stays away from pedals. Taller plants need enough clearance that the roof does not press against their leaves.

Make the vehicle comfortable before loading and keep flowers away from direct heater or air-conditioning outlets. Shade matters even on a cool day: sunlight through glass can warm a confined space. Do not leave living plants or bouquets in a parked vehicle while you run errands. Arrange the journey so unloading can happen promptly when you arrive.

In cold weather, use an outer paper layer and a suitable box to reduce exposure during transfers between buildings and the vehicle. Different flowers and plants respond differently to cold, so avoid relying on a single temperature limit. Keep packing dry, minimise time outdoors and support the base as you carry it; protective wrapping does not prevent crushing.

Unpack carefully and help flowers settle

Prepare the destination before removing everything from its packaging. Put cut flowers in a clean vase with fresh water, recutting stems with a clean, sharp tool and removing leaves that would sit below the waterline. Follow the directions on any supplied flower food. Position the arrangement away from direct sunlight, radiators and ripening fruit.

Unbox potted plants promptly, remove temporary soil covers and check for spilled water or a shifted root ball. Return each plant to light appropriate for its type, keeping it away from heating outlets. Check the potting mix before watering again. Travel does not automatically mean a plant needs water, fertiliser or a larger pot on arrival.

Inspect damage before reaching for scissors. Remove broken growth with a clean tool where necessary, but avoid pruning healthy leaves simply to make the plant look tidier after packing. If a plant arrives chilled, let it adjust in a sheltered indoor position away from direct heat. Watch its condition over the following days and follow care advice for that particular plant.

Arrange flower delivery in Russia when you are abroad

If you want to send a bouquet rather than transport it yourself, we deliver flowers across Russia. Choose from the bouquets catalogue, then provide the recipient's address, contact details and preferred delivery timing. City delivery costs 500 RUB; for remote districts and suburbs, the operator confirms the delivery price when confirming your order.

Express delivery in large cities takes 1–2 hours after the order is confirmed. You can also arrange delivery at an exact time with a tolerance of 30 minutes either way, choose a window of 09–12, 12–15, 15–18 or 18–21, or pre-order 1–30 days ahead. For a workplace or celebration, choose a time when the recipient can actually receive the flowers.

Contact a manager on WhatsApp for help choosing the bouquet, agreeing the address, time and card text, or arranging a photo of the bouquet before delivery. A card with your text is free. Delivery is anonymous by default, meaning the courier does not name the sender; sign the card if you want the recipient to know the flowers are from you.

The courier calls the recipient about 15 minutes before arrival, so a surprise should still allow for that contact. If the recipient is absent, we agree a second delivery that day or handover to a neighbour or concierge with the sender's consent. Online checkout uses CloudPayments; check the options shown there, as acceptance of every foreign card is not guaranteed. We deliver bouquets across Russia in 1–2 hours.