The main reasons plants die during shipping are
1. Heat or cold damage
- Packages can sit in trucks or warehouses over 100°F (38°C) or below freezing under 32°F (0°C)
- Roots overheat or freeze first; even warm-loving plants can cook on hot trucks, tender plants will die if frozen
- Even a few hours of temperature extremes can be fatal
2. Lack of light
- Plants are boxed in complete darkness
- After several days, photosynthesis stops
- Due to this, we primarily ship priority to decrease shipping times, which is more expensive than shipping non-perishable goods
- Shipping one plant costs almost the same as shipping many plants; therefore, we offer free shipping on orders over a certain dollar amount
3. Dehydration, Physical Damage, and more
- Boxes get stacked, dropped, or crushed; stems can break; leaves can be crushed; and excessive shaking loosens soil and exposes roots. Soil dries out during transit if shipping is delayed.
- Please let us know if your package's tracking is significantly delayed. A few days is not something to worry about, but a week or more is. After a specific period (2 weeks+), we can request carriers to place tracking devices on the package and file claims.
- All plants are packed tightly to minimize movement, insured, and we will ensure you receive a healthy plant, even if the shipping company fails.
- If there is a problem when the plants are delivered:
- Take a photo after delivery (within 24 hours) and send it to us so we can resolve the problem.
What buyers can do to help plants survive
- Order during mild weather
- Bring packages inside immediately
- If your package shows as delivered but you cannot find it, start by contacting your post office/mail carrier. They are the best people to help. Typically, these packages do show up.
- If your package shows as delivered but you cannot find it, start by contacting your post office/mail carrier. They are the best people to help. Typically, these packages do show up.
- Unpack right away
- Water gently (don’t drown)
- Keep plants shaded for several days and harden off plants according to the instructions in the box
- If something looks off or if you have questions, contact us with a picture. We are always here to help. Pictures are required for insurance claims with the carrier and for us to understand how to help.