1. UNPACKING
When your plants are delivered, unpack the box immediately.
- Be sure to carefully unpack all the layers in the boх.
- Remove the black plastic wrap and shredded paper (used to retain soil & moisture during shipping).
- Some of our plants (e.g. Orchids) are grown entirely in Sphagnum moss; this should not be removed.
- Keep in mind that a strong, healthy root system is the most important feature of the plant. Damaged foliage sometimes occurs in shipping. A healthy root system will promote new leaf growth.
- Often, leaves will yellow slightly in transit. This is especially true of Geraniums. However, the new growth will become the proper shade of green when the plant has recovered from shipping.
* Please notify us right away if you receive a plant damaged in shipping more than the normal shipping stress, as stated above. See our 60-Day Guarantee.
2. WATERING
Check each pot to see if it requires watering. Water those plants that are dry.
- If the soil becomes visually dry, water the plant until some water comes out of the bottom of the pot.
3. TRANSITION
Give plants time to slowly adjust to their new environment.
- First, place all new plants in a spot of moderate temperatures (65-75°) in good light (but out of hot, noon day sun) for a day or two until they adjust from shipping. Next, move plants to their permanent location and allow them to acclimate to their new home for about a week.
- Check the catalog or website to determine the optimal light and temperature requirements for your plant.
- Allow the plants a week to acclimate to their new home before transplanting or fertilizing.
- If you are receiving plants in winter,wait until spring to begin fertilizing
- If planting in the garden, slowly "harden off" plants by gradually increasing their exposure to sunlight and outdoor conditions.
4. REPOTTING
Once your plants have acclimated to their location, they will require repotting.
- Repot into larger pot sizes gradually. For example, move a plant in a 2.5" pot into a 4" or 5" pot. Move a plant in a 4" pot into a 6" or 7" pot. The root system needs time to grow into each new pot.
- Turn the pot upside down and gently tap the edge to release the root ball from the container.
- Never pull on the stem of the plant: some plants, like Bougainvilleas, have brittle roots which are easily severed.
- When repotting, please do not fray the roots; the root system will easily expand into the new soil.
