Your plant just arrived. Here's what to do.
Your plant just spent a few days in a dark box. It's a little stressed, which is normal. Most plants bounce back fast once they're unboxed, watered if dry, and placed in good light. Follow these steps and you'll be in great shape.
① Open it up right
Bring it inside immediately
Bring it inside immediately
Don't leave the box outside, especially in heat or cold.Unbox as soon as you can, your plant needs air and light.
Remove all packing material
Remove all packing material
Pull out any paper, wrap, or foam gently. If there's sphagnum moss or wrapping on top of the soil. that's just for shipping, remove it. Compost it or save it.
Check the soil moisture
Check the soil moisture
Stick your finger an inch into the soil.If it's dry, give it a drink. If it's still moist, leave it.
② Help it settle in
Find the right spot
Find the right spot
Pick a bright, indirect light location away from vents, drafts, and direct sun. This is the single biggest factor in recovery. Not sure where? Visit our plant care guides
Give it at least 2 weeks
Give it at least 2 weeks
No repotting, no fertilizing, no moving it around.Just let it exist. Plants need time to adjust to new humidity, light, and temperature before anything else.
Don't overwater
Don't overwater
This is the most common mistake after receiving a shipped plant.Wait until at least half the soil is drybefore watering again, especially in winter.
③ Repotting - only if you want to
Wait at least 14 days before repotting.
Wait at least 14 days before repotting.
Your plant is happy in the pot it came in. The roots are settled, and there's no rush to change anything. Most plants can go months before needing a new pot.
Go up only one pot size.
Go up only one pot size.
If it's in a 4" pot, move to a 5" or 6" max. Too much soil holds too much moisture and leads to root rot.
Disturb the roots as little as possible.
Disturb the roots as little as possible.
Gently slide it out, place it in the new pot, and fill the gaps with fresh mix. Don't shake or wash the roots unless necessary.
Use the right mix for your plant's species.
Use the right mix for your plant's species.
Aroids need chunky, airy soil. Succulents want fast-draining. Not sure? Reach out and we'll point you in the right direction.
