5 Mistakes Everyone Makes With Shipped Plants (And How to Avoid Them)

When Your Plant Arrives in the Mail

When I started ordering plants online, I made just about every mistake possible. I was so eager to open the box that I didn’t think about how much stress the plant had just gone through. Some bounced back quickly, but others struggled for weeks.

Over time, I learned that plants need a little extra care right after shipping. Here are the five most common mistakes I made early on and what I do differently now.

1. Not Checking the Roots

The first thing I do after unboxing is check the roots. Plants shipped in tight boxes for days can end up too wet or too dry. I gently slide the plant out of its pot to see how the roots are doing.

Healthy roots are firm and pale in color. If they look brown, mushy, or smell sour, I trim away the bad parts, then soak them in a mix of one part hydrogen peroxide to three parts water for about 15 minutes. After that, I rinse them and repot using a fresh substrate.

My substrate of choice depends on the plant.

• For most anthurium, I use a blend that includes chunky perlite, coco coir, LECA, charcoal, worm castings, and mycorrhizae.

• For anthurium seedlings, I prefer a mix of tree fern fiber with perlite since it provides airflow while holding enough moisture for young roots.

• For alocasia babies, I like to use Fluval Stratum and perlite with just a small amount of tree fern mixed in.

• For larger alocasia, I switch to pon because it drains well and keeps roots strong.

Regardless of what substrate I use, I typically choose clear pots that are self-watering. They make it easy to keep an eye on root health and help maintain steady moisture without overwatering.

This simple process catches root rot early and helps each plant start clean in its new environment.

2. Watering Too Soon

The most common mistake is watering right away. Many plants already have enough moisture from shipping and need air more than water. I always check the soil first. If it feels dry, I water deeply until it runs through the drainage holes. If it is still damp, I wait.

This was one of the hardest habits for me to break. I used to overwater because I thought more water meant more love. What I eventually learned is that most plants prefer a chance to dry out a bit between waterings. Too much water too soon can do more harm than good.

Watering too early can cause root rot or shock, especially after shipping. Letting the soil breathe before adding water helps the plant recover faster and build stronger roots.

3. Skipping Quarantine

Even healthy-looking plants can carry pests or early signs of fungus. When I first started, I used to place new plants right next to the others, and I learned quickly that was a mistake.

Now every shipped plant spends at least two weeks in its own space. It gives me time to watch for any issues and keeps my other plants safe. It also helps the new plant adjust to the light and humidity in my home before joining the rest of the collection.

4. Putting It in Direct Sun

After being boxed up for days, plants need gentle light, not harsh sun. Placing them in direct sunlight too soon can scorch the leaves and cause stress.

When I get new plants, I keep them in a tote with a grow light instead of placing them near a window. The tote gives me control over the humidity and light while keeping them separate from the rest of my collection. I keep the light on a timer for about 10 to 12 hours a day, which helps the plants recover and settle in.

Once I see new growth, I start opening the tote more often to let them adjust to open-air conditions. This slower transition keeps them healthy and prevents leaf burn or shock.

5. Repotting Right Away

It is tempting to repot a new plant as soon as it arrives, especially if the soil looks rough or compacted. I used to do this every time. What I didn’t realize was that repotting adds even more stress to a plant that is already trying to adjust.

Now I only repot if I find root rot or the soil smells bad. Otherwise, I wait two or three weeks before changing anything. By then, the plant has had time to recover and is ready for a fresh start.

Here’s What I Do Now

When a plant arrives in the mail, I treat it like it needs rest, not rescue. I open the box carefully, check the roots, give it space, and let it adjust under the grow light in the tote. I water only if the soil feels dry and avoid any big changes right away.

It took me a few mistakes to learn that plants shipped through the mail just need time and patience. With a few careful steps, they bounce back beautifully and often grow even stronger than before.