Live-Plant Shipping FAQ

We ship live plants to all 50 states and take great care to pack every order for a safe journey. Read through the questions below so you know exactly what to expect when your plants arrive.

How are my plants packed?

Each 4.5” potted plant is secured within its nursery pot with a cardboard insert and rubber bands. Then fitted with a stake to prevent them from getting swished. Lastly, they are nestled snugly inside a sturdy corrugated box.

Plug plants are placed in recycled plastic containers that are made specially for the plug size. Then they are buttoned up and packed snuggly within boxes.

How long will my order be in transit?

Transit time depends on your region and the shipping method selected at checkout:

Northeast & Mid-Atlantic: typically 1–3 business days
Southeast & Midwest: typically 2–4 business days
Mountain West & Plains: typically 3–5 business days
Pacific Coast & Alaska/Hawaii: typically 4–7 business days

These are estimates based on carrier performance. Once a package leaves our facility, exact delivery timing is controlled by the carrier. We are unable to guarantee specific delivery dates.

Will my plants survive the trip?

Live plants are remarkably resilient travelers when packed properly. Expect some wilting, yellowing of lower leaves, or minor leaf drop — this is normal stress from being in a dark box. Most plants perk up within a few days of being unpotted, watered, and placed in appropriate light. Follow the care instructions included in your box.

What should I do the moment my package arrives?

Open the box immediately — do not leave plants sealed in the box.
Inspect every plant and photograph the box exterior, packing materials, and each plant before removing them.
Water gently and place in a bright, indirect-light location for the first 24–48 hours to reduce transition shock.
Check the roots — healthy roots should be firm and pale or white. Contact us right away if anything looks severely damaged.

What if my plant arrives damaged?

We stand behind every shipment. If a plant arrives dead or severely damaged, please contact us within five (5) calendar days of delivery with:

Your order number
Clear photos of the shipping box (all sides, including the label)
Clear photos of each affected plant, including roots if applicable
A brief description of the damage

Claims submitted after five days cannot be honored, as it becomes difficult to distinguish transit damage from post-arrival care issues. Photos are required for all claims — no exceptions.

What photos do I need to take?

Good photos make the claims process fast and fair for everyone. Please capture:

The sealed box as it arrived (before opening)
The shipping label
The opened box showing packing materials in place
Each plant with damage clearly visible
Root systems if roots appear damaged or rotted

Photos taken in natural daylight produce the clearest images and speed up review.

How do I know what size plant I'll receive?

We describe plant sizes by container size and approximate height or spread at time of shipping. For a complete breakdown of what each size designation means, visit our Plant Sizes page. Actual size may vary slightly due to natural growth variation and seasonal availability. We never ship a plant smaller than the listed size.

Is my hardiness zone right for these plants?

Our product listings include USDA hardiness zone ranges. Before ordering, confirm your zone using the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. We ship to all 50 states, but we are not responsible for plants that decline due to climate incompatibility after a healthy arrival. If you are near the edge of a plant's zone range, consider container growing or overwintering indoors.

Do you ship in extreme weather?

We monitor weather forecasts along shipping routes and may briefly hold orders during extreme heat waves or freezes to protect your plants. If your order is held, we will contact you. You may also reach out to us before ordering if you have concerns about current weather in your area.

I still have questions — how do I reach you?

We love hearing from fellow plant enthusiasts. Use the contact form on our website or email us directly. We respond within one business day, Monday through Friday.