What to Do When Your Plant Arrives: A Guide to Post-Shipping Care

Receiving a plant delivery is an exciting moment! Whether it's a rare stunner or a trusty favorite, ensuring it thrives in its new home requires some post-shipping TLC. Here’s how to address common transit-related issues and help your new plant settle in.

Step 1: Inspect Your Plant

Shipping can be stressful for plants, so start with a thorough inspection:

• Look for Signs of Transit Stress:
  • Wilting or Drooping Leaves: This is common due to dehydration or lack of light.
  • Yellowing Leaves: This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as overwatering before shipment or dehydration during transit. Check the soil moisture to better understand what your plant needs.
  • Leaf Drop: Some plants shed leaves as a stress response.
  • Discolored or Damaged Leaves: Minor damage can happen due to rough handling.
  • Soil Disturbance: Check if the soil has shifted or spilled during transit.
• Check for Pests: Inspect the foliage, stems, and soil for any hitchhikers like aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites.

• Assess the Roots: If your plant arrived bare-root, examine the roots for health. They should be firm and light in color, not mushy or discolored.

Step 2: Give Your Plant a Break

Plants need time to adjust after shipping. Here’s how to help:

• Let It Acclimate: Place your plant in a shaded or medium-light area for the first 24-48 hours. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent additional stress.
• Rehydrate: If the soil feels dry, give your plant a gentle drink of water, but avoid overwatering. If it arrived bare-root, soak the roots in room-temperature water for about 15-30 minutes before potting.
• Avoid Fertilizing: Hold off on fertilizing for at least a week. Fertilizer can overwhelm an already stressed plant.
• Isolate Your Plant: Keep your new plant separated from other household plants for at least two weeks. This quarantine period helps prevent the spread of any unseen pests or diseases that might have hitched a ride during transit.

Step 3: Tidy Up

Clean up your plant to encourage healthy growth:

• Prune Damaged Leaves: Use clean scissors or pruning shears to remove any damaged or yellowing leaves.
• Secure the Soil: If the soil has shifted, gently press it back into place. You can add a bit of fresh potting mix if necessary.
• Stake if Needed: If your plant is leaning, stake it temporarily until it regains strength.

Step 4: Introduce It to Its New Environment

After the initial adjustment period, gradually transition your plant:

• Find the Right Spot: Research your plant’s light and humidity preferences. Slowly introduce it to brighter light if needed.
• Monitor Humidity: Shipping can dehydrate plants, especially tropical ones. Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or misting to boost humidity if necessary.
• Watch for Ongoing Stress Signs:
  • Continued Yellowing or Wilting: This could indicate improper watering or light conditions.
  • Pests or Fungal Issues: Address any infestations or fungal spots promptly with neem oil or a plant-safe fungicide.

Common FAQs

• "What if my plant looks worse after a week?"
• Some plants experience delayed stress symptoms. Reassess its light, watering, and humidity levels.
• "Do I repot immediately?"
• Only repot if the plant’s current pot is damaged or unsuitable. Otherwise, wait at least 2-3 weeks to allow it to settle.
• "What if pests are present?"
• Quarantine the plant away from others and treat with a natural insecticide or neem oil until the issue resolves.

Caring for a new plant after shipping takes a little patience, but the reward of seeing it thrive is well worth the effort. With the right care, your plant will soon settle in and grow beautifully in its new home!