Plants

The USVI does not seem to have any restrictions about importing plants. However I would only buy plants from a certified nursery.The island has places to buy plants, so shipping doesn't make sense unless you want something very unusual.Bringing your plants from home is costly, and water for plants can use up your cistern water quickly.Exporting plants is another matter.

East End Doug,
Thank you for making us awake about certified nurseries. I'm sure it would be costly, but we have had some plants for a long time and would like to bring them with us.
Thanks for your response and have a great day.

Phoenixvb, how are you going to transport those plants to the VI and they survive the trip? I've shipped a couple of containers of household goods from Florida to STT. Both times I have considered putting plants inside these containers. The last time I called numerous govt agencies, got transferred and bounced around a lot, never really getting to a single individual who would give me firm, official answer if it's permissible for a private party (not a licensed, registered nursery) to import plants and soil (all plants are in soil) into the USVI. However, based on everyone I spoke with and what I've read online govt web sites, I have the understanding that it would be ok/permissable. Now........the trick is......how do you accomplish this? You would need to ship in a container that was open at the top maybe with a screen over it. That would allow rain water in, hot air out, and shade so the plants don't cook in the hot sun. Then, what if it doesn't rain on the voyage? How do the plants stay hydrated? You'd need to have the plants in some kind of water-holding capacity soil? Or? Maybe you can talk with a nursery in say....Florida.....who ship plants to the USVI. Unlikely they would be open to sharing a container with your plants but you never know. I don't know if a consolidator (e.g., VI Cargo, Tropical Shipping) provides a service for folks that want to ship their own plants. Cost to ship containers can be pricey so even though the plants were cheaper to buy in the States, even if I could find a way to transport them to the USVI in good health, for me, the cost couldn't be justified. Just some random thoughts that I've had on this subject. Thoughts I've never actually acted upon but rather influenced my decision to fuggetaboutit and just buy my plants locally in the VI. But then, I don't have any plants that I'm emotionally attached. I can understand that many people do have sentimental and emotional attachment to the fruits of their labor over many years and can certainly understand why they might want to bring the plants with them on their move. If you find a way to transport the plants and survive the trip, I would welcome to know the solution. Best of luck to you!

Maybe you could prune them short and ship them USPS Special Handling?

You can take plants on the plane with you as a carry-on if they fit under the seat---I decided against shipping a few of my favorite plants but took cuttings from some of them, brought them down in plastic baggies, and planted them! All are thriving here but It helped that they were succulents and cactus.

Actually looked at USPS, it is pretty reasonable to ship. I like the idea of taking a cutting. We have some fruit trees that will be hard to get rid of. Thanks for every ones input.