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!
For how long can plant cuttings be shipped?
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.
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.
How are leaf cuttings transported?
A cheap and pleasant method to increase plant collections is by taking and giving away cuttings, so Jerry offers some excellent advice on how to successfully take cuttings without stress.
Tip # 1Hydrate or die-drate
Ipomoea, a soft, leafy plant, is a good example of a plant from which to take cuttings. Jerry advises, if you can, to put the cuttings right away into a pail of water. This will lessen the probability of the cutting drying out and improve the chances of replanting success.
Tip # 2Woody cuttings on wheels
Jerry cuts a piece from a woody Rondelettia and gets it ready for shipping by doing the following:
- the removal of the base leaves to lessen evaporation
- Newspaper doesn’t need to be wet because there is enough moisture in the plant to cover the entire cutting.
- Put the cutout in a zip-top plastic bag and seal it.
Tip #3Succulents on the subway
Because they are hardy, succulents can be found in almost every garden. Jerry walks through the methods for moving succulent cuttings with a Kalanchoe:
- Cuttings should be wrapped in paper or a newspaper.
- Do not put into a plastic bag because succulents do not like wetness.
- The cuttings should travel well if you keep them out of the sun.
Tip #4Leafy, lovely and on the move
If you are unable to transport your soft, leafy plant cuttings home in a bucket of water, try the following:
Shake off any remaining moisture after removing the clippings from the water.
Check the weather to be extra fair to your cuttings; cloudy days are great for taking cuttings from your favorite plants.