Good day! One of my favorite activities is to soak plant cuttings in water to root them, as you may know if you follow me on Instagram. It’s really satisfying! I enjoy growing new plants and enjoying watching the roots spread out. I also enjoy giving away the cuttings I grow. I like to share largely locally, but if someone needs what I have out of state, I’ll send it! I’m going to share some advice with you today that I’ve picked up along the way. I strongly advise you to share your cuttings with others once you learn How To Ship Plant Cuttings. Check out this post if you’re not sure how to root plant cuttings in water.
The topic of cuttings is the focus of this article. You might be able to do fully grown plants in this method as well, but I haven’t tried it and a fully developed plant might require more attention.
Every shipping situation is unique. Where is it headed? How is the weather today? Which kind of plant is that? However, there are a few considerations that apply to all shipments.
You want to use the shortest shipping method feasible, for starters (within reason). You won’t pay $1,000,000 to someone overnight, right? I use USPS for 2-day Priority Shipping, which costs around $7. Simply said, you don’t want to run the chance of it taking any longer.
Two, appropriately package it. You want the cutting to be in the optimum condition when it gets to its destination. Keep the leaves dry and the roots moist!
3. Verify again that live plants may be transported to the state or nation you are shipping to. Hawaii and California might be no-no states.
The type of cutting will determine this. I recently received a succulent-like plant in a bubble envelope. Did it succeed? Yes. Would I ever ship something in a package? Nope. I simply don’t think the danger is worth it. I’m not sure if the post office runs them through a machine. What if it fractures? I advise packaging your cutting for delivery. The flat rate box from the post office is my favorite box. Three sizes are available. Most cuttings would probably fit in the little box (depending on the size of the foliage). The only cost is the postage when you send it off; they are free to pick up. You can create your own box as well. Just make sure it adheres to the size restrictions.
There should be some roots on the cutting already. It improves stability for shipping. Up until the time is right to package and ship the cutting, keep it submerged in water. Take one large (or two little) paper towels and soak them in water when the time comes (barely wring excess water out). The roots should be covered with a moist paper towel that has been folded into a pocket. Put it inside a plastic bag and close it. If necessary, use a tie of some kind. NOTHING ELSE OF THE PLANT SHOULD BE PUT IN A PLASTIC BAG. JUST ROOTS!
Cuttings have been given to me in a variety of packaging formats. The cutting works best when it is placed in a box with its roots damp or wrapped, and then carefully wadded-up paper products are tucked around the leaves. You can use newspaper, brown paper bags, or scrap paper. I’ve discovered that tissue paper is my go-to paper. mostly because it is gentler on the foliage while yet keeping the cutting from moving about inside the box. Use of tin foil is not advised as it may cause the foliage to burn or freeze if the box becomes too hot or cold. I also advise against using any form of plastic. When it remained on the patio for two hours in 85 degree temperatures, it completely scorched the leaves. I’ve had it get wet from the moisture in the box. sad expression! Paper thus functions best! I strongly advise tissue paper. After that, tape the box together.
Once your cutting is well-secured and taped, address the box ACCURATELY. Verify that it is readable once more. Additionally, I mark the box NO DIRECT SUNLIGHT. Although I have no idea if they do, it might be worth a try! After getting your tracking number and dropping it off at the post office, you’re done!
I appreciate you coming today. I sincerely hope that this post was helpful to you and that you are currently actively growing plant cuttings to give to others. Whenever you need advice about rooting, don’t forget to check out this thread! You should also follow me on Instagram and Pinterest, where I post pictures of all of my houseplants and inspiration for houseplants. Enjoy your day!
Remove the Plant From the Soil
It is preferable to export most plants as bare roots as opposed to in their pots. Put on a pair of gardening gloves and carefully remove the roots of your plant from the pot, shaking off any extra soil. It’s not necessary to totally rinse the roots because part of the soil residue will keep the plant happy and healthy during transportation and potential repotting.
Wrap Roots With a Moist Paper Towel
Wrap the plant’s roots with a paper towel that has been lightly moistened with clean, room-temperature water. You can wrap your plant in numerous layers of paper towels if you’re transporting it a long way. The plant will receive water along the journey as a result of the paper’s gradual moisture release.
Wrap With Plastic Wrap
Wrap the paper towels and roots in a sheet of plastic wrap to keep everything in place. You might also put the plant in a plastic bag as an alternative. This will keep the moisture within and act as insulation for the roots’ delicate tissues.
Secure the Plant
By using rubber bands or wrapping the entire bundle in newspaper, secure the plant’s top. Both strategies will control wayward growth and guard against plant damage.
Place Plant Inside Box
Your plant should be packed in a robust corrugated cardboard box that can withstand any damage from vigorous handling. Find a box that is beautiful and sturdy to ensure that your plant gets to its destination intact.
Fill Extra Space
Finding a box that properly fits your goods can be challenging. After you’ve inserted your plant inside the sturdy corrugated box, fill any remaining space with newspaper or packing paper to provide additional padding. Your plant won’t have any room to move during handling if you do it this way. Useless paper, packing peanuts, or bubble wrap are more options.
Tape the Box Closed
Tape all box edges tightly with sturdy packing tape before sealing the lid. Add a lot of tape to the box’s edges to reinforce them if you’re concerned about how the product will be handled.
Tip
Punch a few ventilation holes in the box if your area is warm or if you’re moving the plant to a warm location. Make a few small holes in the box’s sides using your fingertips. Avoid doing this in cold weather because the cold may harm your plant.
Label the Box
Label the box “Live Plants,” “Fragile,” or “Perishable” using permanent ink so that shipment handlers can easily read it. This won’t ensure that the individuals handling your box will handle it delicately, but it might persuade some of them.
If you’re recycling a box, write the return address and mailing address on the outside and take off or black out any previous shipping labels.
Ship Your Plant
It’s time to transport your plant now that it has been beautifully prepared and boxed for travel. If your plant satisfies the USPS’s shipping regulations, you can always drop it off at the post office for delivery. Select priority mail. Because the plant is in such a vulnerable position while being transported, you should try to cut the shipping time as much as you can.
Another option is to use a private delivery firm, FedEx, UPS, or both. Although some will cost more than others, all will offer rapid shipping alternatives. Finding a service that can ship your plant swiftly and within your budget is the key.
Can plants be sent via mail?
Even though you should package each plant separately in bags, if the box is big enough, you can ship multiple live plants at once.
Verify that the plant you wish to transport complies with USDA regulations. Some plants could be acceptable in one state but illegal owing to invasiveness or insect issues in another. If you have any questions about forbidden plants, contact your local cooperative extension group or one close to the destination.
Trading live plants over a distance with a friend is simple and doesn’t call for any specialized tools. In fact, as long as the USDA does not forbid them, most plants can be mailed within the United States, according to the USPS postage code. Just be careful not to harm the plant when you take it out of the ground. To avoid damaging the plant’s roots, dig far enough away from the plant. Remove the roots’ soil by loosening it, then give them a good rinse. As soon as you can, pack and mail the plant.
Five newspaper sheets should be soaked in a jar of water until they are moist but not drenched.
- Trading live plants over a distance with a friend is simple and doesn’t call for any specialized tools.
- Just be careful not to harm the plant when you take it out of the ground.
Place the live, recently dug-up plant, with the roots and stems in the center and the foliage outside the edge of the paper, after folding it in half.
Keep the greenery protruding from the top of the roll as you carefully roll the paper around the roots.
The bottom of the newspaper should be placed into a small produce-sized plastic grocery bag. Don’t secure the bag’s top shut. To remain alive, the roots require both moisture and air.
To further insulate the entire plant, encircle it with three to five additional large plastic grocery bags. One at a time, wrap the plant in each bag, then roll the bags shut.
Gently remove any extra air from the bags. Afterward, put the package in a cardboard box of a comparable size.
Give the receiver a label or care instructions so they know what the plant is and how to care for it. Write instructions on a piece of plastic or an ice cream stick rather than a piece of paper that might collect moisture.
Label the box with the recipient’s address and your return address before taping it shut. The longer zip code should be used for faster delivery.
Once packaged, send the package as soon as you can. Avoid sending live plants when shipping times may be lengthy owing to national holidays or major mailing occasions, such as Mother’s Day, even though the plant should arrive just fine with normal delivery times.
- Gently remove any extra air from the bags.
- Avoid sending live plants when shipping times may be lengthy owing to national holidays or major mailing occasions, such as Mother’s Day, even though the plant should arrive just fine with normal delivery times.
How long can plants endure shipping?
The element that can give a house envious curb appeal, paint the brightest hues in the drabbest of spaces, and give the air we breathe vitality is plants. They are a necessary and in-demand item, and contemporary delivery techniques have increased accessibility to them.
A plant can travel for a full 7 days in the mail without any issues. Some plants have a two-week lifespan. Keep shipment under 7 days to prevent dehydration and leaf loss in your plant. You can go over 7 days if your plant requires less water or sunlight.
In addition to being an essential aspect of our environment, plants are also essential to many people’s interests. Without the aid of contemporary shipping techniques, the general population would not have access to a large number of plant species found around the world. Plants are often more durable than they may seem, despite the fact that sending them in the mail could seem a little risky.
Will UPS transport live plants?
Depending on the service you choose, the weight of your product, and its final destination, the price and shipping time will vary. However, you should be aware that round-the-clock services are costly. Overnight and 1-day shipping services are more expensive than standard shipping services. However, you want the delivery to happen as soon as possible for perishable things like plants or flowers.
Additionally, avoid sending mail on holidays or weekends because your parcel will have to wait for delivery, which could kill your plants.
Get all the papers before dropping off the goods for shipping because you will need the appropriate permits to ship to other nations.
According to the Terminal Inspection Act, plants must be correctly identified on the package. There is no need for a unique label or stickers for this. It need only be written on the box or product.
Shipping Plants with USPS
There are a few things you should do before selecting the USPS to ship your plants that you should keep in mind. You should verify with your state’s laws before attempting to move because some states have restrictions on the types of plants that can be shipped.
- Priority Mail Express: Delivered in just two business days. Rates for 1lb or less start at roughly $20.
- Priority Mail: Delivers in one business day. Prices for flat rate boxes start at roughly $7 for 1bl or less.
- Medium Flat Rate Priority Mail: Arrives in one to three business days. Prices for flat rate boxes start at roughly $12 for 1bl or less.
Shipping Plants with FedEx
FedEx has excellent delivery options for plants and doesn’t have any unique labeling or packing specifications. You will need to adhere to the state-by-state limitations, just like with the USPS.
Plants are perishable, thus FedEx suggests using their Overnight services.
- Arrives on the first overnight by 8 am. Prices for 1lb or less begin at about $64.
- FedEx Express Arrives overnight: 10:30 am. Rates for 1lb or less start at roughly $30.
- Arrives by 3 p.m. through FedEx Standard Overnight. Rates for 1lb or less begin at about $28.
- FedEx Ground: Delivered by the day’s end. Prices for 1lb or less begin at roughly $9.
Shipping Plants with UPS
For transporting plants, UPS provides a few reliable services and doesn’t have any unique packaging or labeling needs. You will need to adhere to state-by-state rules, just like the other couriers. Plants are perishable, thus UPS suggests using their Next Day Air service.
- By 10:30 a.m. on the next day by air. Rates for 1lb or less begin at about $28.
- UPS Ground: Delivers by the end of the following day. Prices for 1lb or less begin at roughly $14.