5 Mistakes I Made with Shipped Plants

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 shipped plants need a little extra care right out of the box. These are the five biggest 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 spend days in tight boxes where conditions can swing from too wet to bone dry. I gently slide the plant out of its pot to see how the roots look.

Healthy roots are firm and pale. If they’re brown, soft, or smell sour, I trim away the bad parts and soak what’s left in a mix of one part hydrogen peroxide to three parts water for about 15 minutes. Then I rinse and repot using a fresh substrate.

Before setting the plant back in, I sprinkle the roots with mycorrhizae to help reduce transplant shock and support healthy new growth. I like to use clear pots so I can keep an eye on root development and moisture levels over time.

My substrate 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 like tree fern fiber with perlite since it holds moisture and provides good airflow.

• For alocasia babies, I use Fluval Stratum and perlite with a little tree fern mixed in.

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

I usually use clear self-watering pots. They make it easy to keep an eye on root health and help maintain steady moisture without overwatering.

Taking a few minutes to check the roots and start fresh makes all the difference for long-term growth.

2. Watering Too Soon

The most common mistake is watering right away. Many plants still have 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’s still damp, I wait.

This was one of the hardest habits for me to break. I used to think more water meant more love. What I learned is that most plants want a little time to dry out and breathe before the next drink. Too much water too soon can cause shock or rot, especially after shipping.

3. Skipping Quarantine

Even healthy-looking plants can carry pests or early signs of fungus. When I first started, I placed new plants right next to my others and 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 collection safe. It also helps the 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. Bright light too soon can scorch the leaves or cause stress.

When new plants arrive, I keep them in a tote with a grow light instead of placing them near a window. The tote helps me control humidity and light while keeping them separate from the rest of my collection. I keep the light on a timer for 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 help them adjust to open-air conditions. This slower transition keeps them healthy and prevents leaf burn or shock.

5. Repotting Right Away

It’s 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’s already trying to recover.

Now I only repot if I find root rot or if 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 this, but shipped plants don’t need a quick fix. They just need time and patience. With a few simple steps, they bounce back beautifully and often grow even stronger than before.