post-shipping guide
your plants are home, now what?
At Nativo, we take special care in shipping your plants to ensure they arrive healthy and ready to thrive in your garden.
However, the shipping process can sometimes cause temporary stress to plants. Here’s everything you need to know to care for your shipped plants and ensure their successful growth.
What to Expect
unboxing your plant mail
It’s normal for plants to look a little “sad” after their journey. Wilting, yellowing leaves, or dry soil can occur during shipping. But don’t worry, they are resilient and will perk up after a bit of TLC.
For potted plants: If the soil is dry, give it a thorough watering upon arrival.
For bare root plants: These plants arrive with no soil around the roots to save space for shipping, especially for our larger plants. Follow the care guide below to help them settle in!
Bare Root Plant Care
What to do with your plants out of soil
Bare root plants may appear sad or lifeless at first. Don't freak out!
Bare roots have been removed from their soil to make shipping easier and to keep them healthy. They just need time to rehydrate and settle into their new home.
Unpack carefully: Be gentle with the roots to avoid any damage.
Hydrate: Soak the roots in a bucket of water for 1-2 hours. This helps rehydrate them after their journey.
Prepare the planting site: Dig a hole twice the width of the roots, ensuring the crown of the plant (where the roots meet the stem) sits at or just below the soil line.
Plant gently: Place the roots in the hole, backfill with soil, and lightly press to remove any air pockets.
Water deeply: Give the plant a thorough soaking immediately after planting. Continue watering daily for the first couple of weeks.
Patience Is Key
Bare root plants may look a little rough in the beginning, but don’t lose hope! It’s normal for them to take some time to adjust and settle in. Be patient—they need time to re-establish their roots in their new environment. You may not see new growth for several weeks, but this doesn't mean your plant isn’t thriving. Remember, these are native plants we're talking about!
If after 2-3 weeks you don't see any improvement, consider trimming back any damaged foliage to allow the plant to focus it's energy on new growth!
Caring for Your Plants
Next Steps After Planting
To give your new plants the best chance of success, follow these steps after planting:
Water regularly: For the first couple of weeks, water the plants daily to help them settle. Once established, adjust watering based on their specific needs. For drought-tolerant native plants, we usually recommend 1-2 times a week depending on the season!
Provide temporary shade: If your plants are in direct sun, consider giving them some shade for the first few days to reduce stress.
Monitor new growth: Healthy new growth is a good sign. Prune any damaged or yellow leaves to encourage more growth.
Troubleshooting
What to Do If Your Plant Isn't Bouncing Back
While most plants recover quickly, sometimes they need extra attention. If your plant doesn’t seem to be recovering after a few days, here’s what to do:
Check moisture levels: Make sure the soil is neither too dry nor too soggy.
Trim damaged areas: Prune any damaged, yellow, or wilting leaves to help the plant focus on new growth.
Be patient: Sometimes, plants just need more time to adjust to their new environment. Give them a couple of weeks to settle in.
