Essential Tips for Success
Winter Plant Arrival Care: Keep Your Green Friends Thriving
Winter can be a challenging time for shipping plants, especially in colder climates. At String of Pearls Plant Gallery, we take extra precautions to protect your plants during their journey, but proper care upon arrival is key to ensuring they acclimate and thrive in their new home. Here’s everything you need to know about winter plant arrival care and how to help your plants recover from the stresses of transit.
1. Unbox Your Plant Immediately
When your package arrives, it’s crucial to unbox your plant as soon as possible. Cold temperatures during transit can cause stress, and leaving your plant in the box for even a short time after delivery can make things worse.
- Action Step: Gently remove your plant from its packaging, taking care to avoid damaging the leaves or stems.
2. Gradual Temperature Adjustment
Plants shipped in cold weather need time to adjust to the warmth of your home. Avoid the temptation to place them near a heat source or in direct sunlight.
- Action Step: Place the plant in a warm, draft-free room where the temperature is stable (65–75°F). This gradual adjustment helps prevent additional stress or shock.
3. Check and Adjust Soil Moisture
Shipping can dry out your plant’s soil or, conversely, leave it damp depending on conditions. Knowing how to assess the soil and water appropriately is critical.
- If the soil is dry: Water gently with lukewarm water until the soil is evenly moist but not soggy.
- If the soil is damp: Wait to water until the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
4. Increase Humidity
Winter air can be much drier than your plant’s tropical origins, especially after transit. Providing extra humidity will help your plant recover more quickly.
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Action Steps:
- Place your plant near a humidifier.
- Create a humidity tray by filling a shallow dish with water and pebbles, placing your plant pot on top without letting it touch the water.
- Cover your plant loosely with a clear plastic bag (leaving openings for air circulation) to create a greenhouse effect.
5. Remove Damaged Foliage
If you notice wilted, shriveled, or blackened leaves, don’t panic! This is often a normal reaction to shipping stress. Prune away damaged leaves to allow the plant to focus its energy on healthy growth.
- Action Step: Use clean scissors or pruning shears to trim away any damaged areas, taking care not to cut into healthy tissue.
Our Winter Shipping Policy: Protect Your Plants in Cold Weather
To keep your plants safe during transit, we require Winter Weather Protection for orders shipped to areas with average daily temperatures below 50°F. This includes insulated packaging and heat packs to maintain a stable temperature during their journey.
💡 Why It’s Important
Without proper protection, plants can suffer from cold damage, including leaf shriveling, discoloration, or root stress. Adding Winter Weather Protection ensures your plant arrives in the best possible condition.
⚠️ Note: Our refund and return policy applies only to orders shipped with Winter Weather Protection in cold climates.
What to Do if Your Plant is Struggling
If your plant looks shriveled or stressed upon arrival:
- Follow the care steps above immediately.
- Monitor for signs of recovery, such as perkier leaves or new growth.
- If the plant doesn’t improve after 1–2 weeks, reach out to us for further advice.
Shipping Plants in Winter: A Team Effort
At String of Pearls Plant Gallery, we’re committed to getting your plants to you safely, no matter the season. By following these care tips and adding Winter Weather Protection to your order, you can help ensure your plants arrive healthy and ready to thrive in your home.
💬 Have questions about your plant’s arrival or care? Contact us anytime – we’re here to help your plant parent journey flourish!