Your Plant Just Arrived—Now What?

Step 1: Unboxing

When your package arrives, open it as soon as possible. Plants can get stressed in dark boxes, so the sooner you let them breathe, the better.

Carefully remove any packaging material. Your plant's roots will be wrapped in damp sphagnum moss and a biodegradable sleeve to keep them hydrated during transit.

Step 2: Inspect Your Plant

Give your plant a gentle once-over. It's normal to see:

• A few yellow or damaged leaves from shipping stress
• Slightly wilted or droopy leaves
• Some soil or moss residue on leaves

These are all normal and will resolve within a week or two. However, if you notice severe damage, mushy stems, or signs of pests, please contact us within 48 hours with photos.

Step 3: The Acclimation Period

Your plant just traveled across the country in a dark box. It needs time to adjust! For the first 1-2 weeks:

• Don't repot immediately—wait at least 5-7 days
• Place in medium light—avoid direct sunlight
• Hold off on fertilizer—stressed plants can't absorb it well
• Water lightly—check if roots are damp first

Step 4: Potting Your Plant

After your plant has had a week to acclimate, it's time to give it a proper home.

What You'll Need:

• A pot with drainage holes (1-2 inches larger than the root ball)
• Well-draining potting mix
• Optional: perlite or orchid bark for extra drainage

Potting Steps:

1. Fill your pot about 1/3 full with potting mix
2. Gently remove the moss from around the roots
3. Place your plant in the center of the pot
4. Fill around the roots with soil, pressing gently
5. Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom
6. Place in bright, indirect light

Step 5: Ongoing Care

Now that your plant is potted, here are the basics to keep it thriving:

• Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
• Light: Bright, indirect light for most tropicals
• Humidity: 40-60% is ideal; mist occasionally or use a pebble tray
• Fertilize monthly during spring/summer with diluted liquid fertilizer

Check out our species-specific care guides for detailed instructions for your particular plant.

Signs of a Happy Plant

Within 2-4 weeks, you should start seeing signs that your plant is settling in:

• New leaf growth or unfurling leaves
• Perky, upright leaves
• Healthy green color
• New root growth (if visible)