The Best Practices for Packing and Shipping Plants Safely

Plant shipping might appear difficult, but with the right methods, you can make sure the plants arrive at their destination undamaged. Plants should always be packaged securely to reduce damage during transit, whether you are shipping a gift or sending your collection. From materials to preparation to post-delivery care, this blog offers full instructions for shipping and packaging plants safely.

Basics of Plant Shipping

Because they are fragile, plants need special handling when being shipped. It is essential that they comply with the correct procedures because of their sensitivity to temperature change, darkness, and movement while being transported. Plants travel to their destination in good condition if proper transportation methods are chosen and proper handling while packaging is practiced.

Preparing Your Plants for Shipping

It is important to have your plants ready for the transfer before you begin packaging. When plants are prepared properly, they are less stressed and stay healthy throughout transit.

Watering before Shipping

It takes careful balancing to water your plants. The roots can breakdown as a result of overwatering, particularly in locked spaces. One or two days earlier than shipment, water your plants, letting the soil become a little bit dry. Consider reducing watering for more sensitive plants in order to prevent over-moisture buildup.

Trimming

Reducing the size of the plant through trimming improves packaging. Remove any broken or dead branches and leaves. Additionally, it helps in the plant’s energy conservation during transit. Trimming flowering plants or ones that are actively growing should be done with care since over-trimming can cause stress.

Protecting the Soil

During transit, shifting soil can harm roots and produce a mess. Place a layer of paper or plastic wrap on the surface of the soil to avoid this. To secure the wrap, you can also wrap tape around the pot. This step stops the dirt from escaping and keeps it inside.

Selecting Correct Packaging Materials

When shipping plants, it is necessary to select the correct materials that will protect the plants from temperature changes, maintain stability, and protect the plant.

Pots and Containers

If the plant is being shipped in its pot, use sturdy, lightweight pots. Plastic pots work well because they are lightweight and durable. If the plant is being shipped bare-root, wrap the roots in moist sphagnum moss and secure with a plastic bag to keep the roots hydrated without spoiling.

Wrapping and Cushioning

To protect the plant’s leaves and branches, carefully wrap the plant. First, make sure that every portion of the plant is covered by wrapping it in bubble wrap or soft paper. Plants require a little breathing space, so try not to wrap them too tightly. Packaging peanuts, newspaper, or foam can be used as padding in a cardboard box to provide additional protection for the wrapped plant.

Using Suitable Boxes

Select a box that is slightly bigger than the plant so that padding can be added. Stay clear of big boxes since they cause excessive movement, which could result in damage. To protect the plant during transit, add more padding to the box’s top and bottom or choose custom size shipping boxes.

Packing the Plant for Shipment

It is time to pack everything safely after you have prepared the plant and selected the packaging materials. Using the right packing methods will reduce instability and shield the plant from bumps and shocks.

Positioning the Plant in the Box

The wrapped plant should be placed upright in the box’s center. Add more padding to any spaces surrounding the plant. Preventing any movement inside the box is the intention. Use the two-box method for taller plants.

Sealing the Box

Strong packaging tape should be used to tightly seal the box. Make sure every gap has been fixed and covered. Write “Live Plants” or “Fragile” on the box to warn handlers to handle it with additional care. Marking the orientation “This Side Up” is also beneficial, particularly for taller plants.

Shipping Considerations

Packaging the plants correctly is as essential as selecting the best shipping method. The plant’s status upon arrival can be impacted by temperature control, handling, and the length of the transportation process.

Selecting the Best Shipping Carrier

Different carriers handle live plants differently. Find out which shipping companies provide the finest service when shipping plants. For live products, several carriers provide fast options or special management. If you want to shorten the plant’s transit time, think about utilizing faster delivery.

Timing the Shipment

It is important to ship on time, especially if your plants are sensitive. Shipment should not be done in extremely hot or cold weather. Ship early in the weekdays to prevent the parcel from spending the weekend in a warehouse.

Tracking and Insurance

Select tracking services to keep updated on the package’s movement. Insurance is also beneficial, particularly when transporting pricey or rare plants. Insurance offers some financial assistance in the case of loss or damage.

Post-Delivery Care

It is important to treat the plant with proper attention once it arrives at its destination in order to help in its recovery from the stress of transportation.

Unwrapping the Plant

When the plant is delivered, gently unwrap it. Take off all of the packaging and let the plant get used to its new surroundings. After unwrapping, stay out of bright sunshine and harsh weather as the plant needs time to adjust.

Watering and Monitoring

When watering a plant, make sure the soil is moist. If the plant was received bare-root, it can take some time for it to re-hydrate. For some days check the plant regularly to make sure that it is recovering properly. Check for stress symptoms, like wilting, yellowing leaves or falling branches.

Slow Adjustment

The plant might take time to adjust if it was transported across different climates. A gradual adjustment to changes in light, temperature, and humidity minimizes stress and encourages a healthy development pattern in its new environment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Successful plant shipping requires extreme care to every aspect. Stay clear of following mistakes:

• Overwatering Before Shipping: Too much moisture in the ground before shipping might cause root break.
• Using Improper Boxes: Oversized or weak boxes are more likely to be damaged by crushing or moving.
• Negligence to Label: To ensure careful handling, clearly labeling with “Live Plants” or “Fragile” is necessary.
• Shipping during Bad Weather: The plant is better protected if shipments are scheduled to avoid heat waves or cold storms.
• Ignoring Adjustment Needs: A plant can suffer from sudden changes in temperature or light, which could cause slow recovery.