Whether it just arrived from Jungle Relics or another plant-loving source, unboxing a new plant is always a moment of magic. That little parcel of life has been on quite the journeyāfrom Plant Shop to box, to truck or plane, and finally, to your doorstep. But before you introduce your new leafy companion to its new forever home, letās walk through the best ways to care for your shipped plant right out of the box.
šæ 1. Unboxing with Care
First things firstāunwrap gently. Many plants are carefully packed with protective materials like paper, foam, or and padding to keep them safe. Use clean scissors or your hands to gently remove each layer, being mindful of delicate stems and leaves. If your plant came with a heat pack or cold pack, discard itāitās done its job!
Tip: Open your package indoors, away from direct sun and drafts, so your plant can adjust slowly to its new environment.
š¤ 2. The Post-Travel Pause
Itās totally normal for your plant to arrive looking a little tiredāthink of it as plant jet lag. Drooping leaves, slight yellowing, or a bit of soil displacement are all signs of travel stress. Give it a few days in a quiet, cozy spot with indirect light to settle in. Most plants bounce back beautifully once theyāve rested.
š§ 3. To Water or Not to Water?
Before reaching for your watering can, check the soil moisture with your finger or a moisture meter. Many plants ship best slightly dry to prevent rot during transit. If the top inch or so feels dry, go ahead and water gently. If it's still damp, give it a day or two.
Misting? If your plant enjoys humidity (like ferns, calatheas, or tropicals), a light misting can help rehydrate it after travel. Just donāt overdo it!
šŖ“ 4. Should You Repot Right Away?
Not immediately. Let your plant adjust to its new environment for at least 2ā3 weeks before repotting. The roots need time to decompress, and a sudden change in soil or pot size can add to the stress. If the nursery pot is cracked or the plant is rootbound, you can consider moving itābut be gentle.
š 5. About Those Imperfect Leavesā¦
A torn leaf or two can feel disappointing, but rememberāthis is mostly cosmetic. Travel can be rough, and just like us after a long trip, plants might not look picture-perfect at first. What really matters is the health of the stems, new growth points, and roots. Keep an eye out for signs of recovery: perking leaves, new shoots, and firm stems.
š 6. Healthy, Bug-Free, and Ready to Thrive
All Jungle Relics plants are nurtured with careātreated with insecticide, well-fed with fertilizer, and shipped pest-free. That said, it's wise to quarantine all new plants from your existing jungle for a week or two. This gives your new green friend time to adjust and helps protect the rest of your collection from any hidden hitchhikers or stress-related flare-ups. Think of it as a little plant spa retreat before joining the crew.
š± 7. Every Plant is One of a Kind
At Jungle Relics, we celebrate the wild, the rare, and the wonderfully unique. Your plant may look a little different than the one pictured, but thatās part of the charm. Each plant has its own personality, quirks, and growth patternsāand thatās what makes them special.
š 8. We're Here for You
If your plant seems seriously damaged or unwell after shipping, donāt worryāweāre just a message away. Reach out to our support team with photos, and weāll help guide you on next steps. Our goal is for your plant to thrive and bring joy to your space. You can reach us at shop@junglerelics.com with any plant questions or concerns.
