Shipping live plants requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure they arrive healthy and vibrant. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps and considerations for safely shipping live plants, highlighting innovative solutions from PlantsInABox.

1. Selecting the Right Plants for Shipping

Not all plants are equally suited for shipping. Opt for hardy species that can withstand transit stress, such as succulents, snake plants, hemp, dahlia cuttings and pothos. Avoid plants with delicate foliage or those highly sensitive to environmental changes.

2. Preparing Plants for Shipment

Watering: Water plants a day before shipping to ensure they are hydrated but not waterlogged, which can lead to root rot.

Pruning: Remove dead or damaged leaves and trim excessive growth to reduce transpiration and the risk of damage.

Pest Inspection: Thoroughly check for pests and treat any infestations before shipping.

3. Choosing Appropriate Packaging

Proper packaging is crucial to protect plants during transit. PlantsInABox offers a wide variety of specialized solutions designed for shipping live plants such as dahlia cuttings.

• Clone Shippers: These boxes feature built-in LED lights, fully sealed edges to retain moisture, and tempered walls for superior protection. They also include a stem collar for added stability during transportation. Find out more about it here.

   

• Multi Pack Live Plant Shippers: Designed with clear see-through walls and a dedicated root compartment, allowing multiple plants to be shipped at the same time. These shippers are reusable and user-friendly, ensuring plants arrive safely. Find out more about it here.

4. Packaging Steps

Secure the Root Ball: Use a moist paper towel or sphagnum moss to wrap the roots, securing them with plastic wrap to maintain moisture.

Stabilize the Plant: Place the plant in the shipping box, using the provided stem collar to hold it in place and prevent movement.

Place clone shipper is final box : Use packing materials like bubble wrap or packing peanuts to cushion the clone shipper box and restrict movement within the mailer.

Label Appropriately: Clearly mark the package with "Fragile" labels to inform handlers of the delicate contents.

5. Selecting a Shipping Carrier

Choose a reliable carrier that offers expedited shipping options to minimize transit time. Consider services that provide tracking and delivery confirmation for added assurance.

 

6. Timing the Shipment

 

Weather Conditions: Avoid shipping during extreme temperatures. Aim for moderate weather to reduce stress on the plants.

Shipping Schedule: Ship early in the week to prevent plants from being held in transit over weekends.

 

 

7. Legal Considerations

Be aware of regulations regarding the shipment of live plants, especially across state or international borders. Some regions have restrictions to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

 

8. Post-Delivery Care Instructions

Include detailed care instructions for the recipient to help them acclimate the plant to its new environment, ensuring its continued health.

By meticulously following these steps and utilizing specialized products from PlantsInABox, you can ensure that your live plants reach their destination safely and in optimal condition.