Congratulations! Your new plants have arrived, and the exciting part is about to begin.
At PlantSages, every plant is carefully grown, inspected, and packaged before it leaves our nursery. We take pride in sending healthy, vigorous plants that are ready to establish quickly in their new home. While our packaging is designed to protect plants during transit, it's normal for plants to experience a little stress after traveling through shipping networks.
Don't worry—most plants recover quickly with a little care and attention. Follow these simple steps to help your new plant settle in and start growing strong.
Quick Start Guide
Short on time? Here's the essential checklist:
✓ Unbox your plants immediately
✓ Inspect the plant and check soil moisture
✓ Water if the soil feels dry
✓ Place in a bright, protected location
✓ Allow a few days for recovery from shipping
✓ Plant when ready
Step 1: Unbox Your Plants Right Away
As soon as your package arrives, carefully remove the plants from the box and take away any packing materials.
During shipping, plants are secured to prevent movement and damage. Once they arrive, they'll appreciate fresh air, natural light, and a chance to stretch out after their journey.
If you're not ready to plant immediately, that's perfectly fine. Simply keep the plant in its nursery pot and place it in a sheltered outdoor area with appropriate light conditions. Continue monitoring moisture until you're ready to plant.
PlantSages Tip: Avoid leaving packages sitting in direct sun, hot vehicles, garages, or mailboxes after delivery. Extreme temperatures can quickly stress live plants.
Step 2: Check Soil Moisture
Shipping times and weather conditions vary, so always check the soil before watering.
Insert your finger about an inch into the potting mix:
- If the soil feels dry, water thoroughly.
- If the soil is still moist, wait another day before watering.
When watering, apply water slowly until it drains from the bottom of the pot. This ensures the entire root ball is evenly hydrated.
PlantSages Tip: Overwatering is often more harmful than underwatering. Always check moisture before reaching for the watering can.
Step 3: Give Your Plant Time to Recover
Plants are living organisms, and travel can be stressful. It's completely normal to notice minor signs of shipping stress during the first few days.
You may see:
- Slight drooping
- A few yellow leaves
- Minor leaf damage
- Some leaf drop
- Temporary discoloration
This is especially common with tropical plants, bananas, herbs, and fruit trees that experience changes in temperature, humidity, and light during shipping.
Most plants begin adjusting within a few days and often show new growth shortly afterward.
PlantSages Tip: Resist the urge to immediately fertilize heavily. Let your plant recover first and focus on proper watering and light conditions.
Step 4: Find the Right Home
Before planting, take a moment to choose the best location.
Different plants have different needs, so consider:
Sunlight
- Full Sun: 6–8+ hours of direct sunlight daily
- Partial Sun: 3–6 hours of sunlight
- Shade or Filtered Light: Bright light without intense afternoon sun
Drainage
Most edible and tropical plants prefer well-drained soil. Avoid areas where water remains standing after rain.
Space to Grow
Remember that many fruit trees, bananas, and tropical plants grow much larger than their nursery pot size suggests. Give them enough room to mature comfortably.
Step 5: Planting Time
Once your plant appears hydrated and adjusted, you're ready to plant.
When transplanting:
- Water the plant before planting.
- Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball.
- Place the plant at the same depth it was growing in the nursery pot.
- Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.
- Apply mulch around the base while keeping it away from the stem or trunk.
For container growing, choose a pot with drainage holes and use a quality potting mix.
What's Normal After Shipping?
The following are usually temporary and not cause for concern:
✓ Minor leaf yellowing
✓ Slight wilting
✓ A few dropped leaves
✓ Small cosmetic blemishes
✓ Slower growth during the first week
Plants often redirect energy toward root establishment before producing new leaves.
When Should You Contact Us?
Please reach out if you notice:
- Severe damage during transit
- The plant arrives dead or completely dried out
- The root ball cannot be rehydrated
- Significant issues that do not improve after several days of proper care
Be sure to include clear photos so we can help assess the situation quickly.
Thank You for Supporting PlantSages
We're honored to be part of your growing journey. Whether you've ordered a rare fruit tree, banana plant, herb, vanilla orchid, or tropical edible, we want your plant to thrive for years to come.
With a little patience and proper care, your new plant will soon settle in and reward you with healthy growth.
Happy Growing!
— The PlantSages Family