Best Practices

by Bryce Fulton

Congratulations! Your order has now arrived. Here are a few tips for success when ordering with us.

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Unboxing

  • When unboxing, slowly remove the packaging. Be careful when using sharp objects to not damage the inner contents. Plants will usually be wrapped in kraft paper: be diligent to not damage foliage
  • Check the soil moisture level with your finger - if dry, water thoroughly
  • Place your new plant(s) where it will receive the conditions it requires to thrive. Many tropicals appreciate humidity and warmth, especially when stressed after transit. Bright, indirect light is always best, and avoid drafts from heating or cooling systems
  • If your order contains plants with higher humidity needs (anthuriums and velvet philodendrons for example) move it to a tented plastic bag, terrarium, or humid greenhouse. Be mindful of the sun, as excessive heat can build up quickly inside closed enclosures

Transition

When plants are mailed they sometimes experience stress similar to transplant shock. Our method of growing, packaging and shipping reduces or prevents this from happening in most cases but it’s important to know what to do in case this happens to you. Limp or drooping leaves, yellowing, defoliating and stalled growth can be signs of transit stress. Worry not, plants are resilient and will rebound with the proper care.
The most important things to note are:
  • Do not fertilize! If your plant is in shock, fertilizing can add extra stress to the plant while it is trying to recover. You can start fertilizing weakly, weekly (dilute strength at regular intervals) after a minimum of six weeks in your care
  • Do not repot! Repotting can be stressful to any plant, but repotting while already stressed can compromise recovery. If you wish to use your own custom soil mix or transition to semi-hydro wait a minimum of six weeks to change the medium and/or pot size 
  • Warmth is crucial. Do not allow the soil to become cold. Heat mats (available at most gardening stores) are great for adding warmth to any grow space
When given the right conditions (light, humidity, water and warmth) most plants start to visibly recover in about two to six weeks. Remember, no two plants are ever the same and some may take longer than others to bounce back.

Repot

  • As mentioned earlier, wait at least six weeks if you would like to repot your new plants. Disturbing the roots at this time may cause permanent damage. The plants must adjust to their new environment before adding extra stress post-transit.
  • After six weeks, move them to a maximum one pot size larger than what they have been growing in. For example, if they are in a 3” pot move them to a 4” pot. Your plants will always arrive in a pot size appropriate to their current root size, so there is absolutely no rush for upsizing. 
  • If the desire to repot is purely aesthetic we would recommend using an outer decorative pot. It does the job well without risking the overall health of your newly arrived plant. 
  • Use a loose well draining potting mix unless they are a succulent or a cactus. We recommend high quality store-bought potting mix amended with plenty of perlite, orchid bark and/or coco husk chips for aeration. As a rule of thumb, when watering it should completely drain through in less than a minute. If you are finding that water pools at the top, your soil is in need of amendments. 
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