If you sell plants online, you’re not alone—it’s a burgeoning industry. In 2024, total gardening industry sales are projected to top $127 billion worldwide, while direct-to-consumer (D2C) merchandise sales will likely surpass $213 billion in the US alone.
But shipping live plants is a bit more complicated than sending a postcard. You need to ship plants safely and efficiently to ensure your business—and plants—thrive. Here’s a detailed guide on shipping plants, from preparation to packing to navigating shipping services so your leafy treasures arrive at your customers’ doorsteps safe and sound.
How to prepare plants for shipping
Preparing plants for shipping requires careful attention. Here are the steps to take before shipping:
1. Water the plants
For most live plants, water them thoroughly a day or two before shipping. The roots should be hydrated but not waterlogged. (Certain plants, like succulents, don’t need much water and should be packed in semi-dry soil.)
However, avoid watering immediately before shipping potted plants to prevent excess moisture in the packaging, which can lead to mold or root rot during transit. If the plant is on the wetter side, packing polymer moisture crystals can absorb excess water and stave off rot.
If you anticipate a long shipping journey (four days or longer), the plants run the risk of drying out. A corrugated cardboard box can help retain some moisture soaking the plant. (When sending several small plants in one shipment, try partitioned corrugated boxes.)
You can slowly release moisture into the package by lightly misting leaves or using moisture-retaining packing material like damp paper towels or hydrogel crystals.
2. Prune the plants
Trim any dead or damaged leaves, plant stems, or branches to promote healthy growth and reduce the risk of damage during shipping. Cut flowers or buds likely to wilt or break during transit.
3. Inspect for pests and diseases
Carefully check the plants for signs of harmful pests or diseases. Treat any issues before shipping to ensure your customer receives healthy plants. Quarantine plants that show signs of infestation or plant diseases. If disease or vermin spread across multiple plants, it can spoil your whole shipment.
Many countries and regions have regulations to prevent the spread of plant disease and vermin. Environmentally damaging invasive species have destroyed entire crops of citrus plants and treasured deciduous plants like the American Elm. If you ship plants internationally, you may need to get a plant health certificate, also known as a phytosanitary certificate. This official document, issued by a government authority or plant protection organization, certifies plants comply with specified phytosanitary standards for export or import.
4. Choose proper pots
When shipping potted plants, choose a container that won’t compress the plant’s roots, which need room to expand. Ensure pots or containers are secure to prevent shifting or tipping during transit. Use plant ties or rubber bands to secure branches or stems if necessary, especially for delicate plants. The goal is to protect plants and ensure they survive shipping.
Packing plants for shipping
- Ensure the plant is ready
- Wrap the plant in the right materials
- Securely package the plant
- Label your package
Whether you’re shipping plants internationally or just across your state, pack plants carefully to ensure they arrive at their destination in good condition. Here are steps to consider for both bare-root plants and potted plants:
1. Ensure the plant is ready
If you are packing a bare-root plant, start by removing excess soil from the roots. Trim any damaged or excessively long roots with clean and sharp pruning shears. Water potted house plants thoroughly a day or two before shipping. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged and shouldn’t exceed the pot’s rim.
2. Wrap the plant in the right materials
Wrap plants with bare roots in a damp paper towel or damp peat moss to help retain moisture during transit. Next, place the wrapped roots in a plastic bag to prevent them from drying out.
When you ship potted plants, there’s no need to wrap the roots in wet paper towels. Keep the plant in its pot, and wrap it in bubble wrap or foam padding to protect it from impact during transit.
If the plant has delicate foliage or protruding branches, secure them gently with plant ties or soft string to prevent breakage.
3. Securely package the plant
Wrap the entire plant in several layers of bubble wrap, newspaper, or tissue paper to provide cushioning and protect delicate parts. Place the wrapped plant in a sturdy cardboard shipping box, ensuring it fits snugly to prevent shifting during transit. Use cable ties or similar fasteners to secure plants and prevent them from shifting or tipping inside the packaging.
Fill any empty spaces in the box with additional packing material, such as shredded tissue paper, packing paper, or packing peanuts to provide extra cushioning. Seal the box with strong packing tape to prevent moisture loss and damage during transit.
4. Label your package
Clearly label the package as containing live plants and indicate which end is up to encourage proper handling of the plant inside. Include any special instructions for unpacking or caring for the plant upon arrival. This bears special importance when the plant is a gift.
Some recipients won’t know how to care for live plants, which can lead to a sad ending for these green gifts. Insert simple watering, fertilizing, and room placement instructions to extend the life of many indoor plants.
Tips for shipping plants
When shipping plants, selecting the right carrier and shipping method is crucial. Here are some considerations:
Research carriers
Evaluate carriers based on shipping costs, delivery speed, reliability, and ability to handle specific plants. The three major carriers in the US—UPS, FedEx, and USPS—all ship live plants with some exceptions. (USPS, for example, has thorough rules as to what can and cannot be shipped when it comes to plants.) Each offers proprietary services. For instance, USPS Priority Mail Express lets you ship smaller plants in a flat-rate box, while FedEx is known for its next-day air service.
Balance speed and cost
Most plants can only go a few days in a dark box before they start to suffer. To transport plants safely, they need to arrive at their destination within two to three days.
Balance this with the need to manage costs; if you ship regularly, little variances can compound. The major carriers provide a price quote and an estimated delivery date if you provide a shipping address and package dimensions.
Choose the right shipping container
As you prepare plants for shipping, make sure you’re packing them in the right type of container. Most plants do well in cardboard boxes. If you’re shipping more than one in a single box, use corrugated box dividers to keep them from careening into each other. If you send fresh flowers or plant cuttings, try packaging them in plastic wrap.
How to ship plants FAQ
How do you ship flowers?
To ship flowers, securely wrap them in plastic wrap, place them in a sturdy corrugated box with shredded tissue paper for cushioning, seal the box with strong packing tape, and choose a reliable carrier such as USPS Priority Mail for delivery.
What is the cheapest way to ship plants?
The shipping cost of a plant depends on its dimensions, weight, and required delivery speed. The most economical way to ship many plants is via USPS Priority Mail, using flat-rate boxes or standard packaging materials to minimize shipping costs.
Can I ship plants through USPS?
Yes, USPS Priority Mail is a popular option for shipping plants in the United States.