Not sure which guide is right for you? Find step-by-step instructions tailored to your plant type:
• Welcoming Your New Plants Home – Unpacking, acclimating, and caring for outdoor plants.
• Welcoming Your Fruit Trees Home – How to set up and care for your new fruit tree.
• Welcoming Your Citrus Trees Home – Special tips for unpacking and maintaining citrus trees.
• Welcoming Your Olive Trees Home – Everything you need to know to help your olive tree thrive.
INDOOR PLANTS
Step 1: Unpack with Care
Unwrapping Your Plant:
• Remove Packaging: Gently take your plant out of the box and remove all packaging materials, including the plastic bag or burlap bag around the grower pot, any zip ties securing the plant, and papers around the soil.
• Heat Packs: If included, the small white bag in your box is a heat pack used during colder months. Do not open it—simply dispose of it after unpacking.
Timing Tip: Unbox your plant within a couple of hours of receiving it to prevent stress from being in a confined space for too long.
Step 2: Assess and Acclimate
Check for Transit Stress:
• Inspect Your Plant: Some minor leaf loss or drooping is normal after shipping. Your plant just needs time to adjust.
• Acclimate Gently: Since your plant has been in a dark box, avoid placing it in direct sunlight right away. Let it settle in a low-light or indirect light spot for the first 24-48 hours.
Step 3: Find the Perfect Spot
Light and Location:
• Sunlight Needs: Houseplants have different lighting preferences—some love bright, indirect light, while others thrive in low-light conditions. Check the care guide for your specific plant.
• Ideal Location: Place your plant where it will get the right amount of light, away from direct drafts, heating vents, or air conditioning units that can cause stress.
Step 4: Water and Soil Check
Hydration and Nutrition:
• Watering: Check the soil before watering. If the top inch feels dry, give your plant a drink. If it’s still moist, wait a bit longer. Overwatering is a common mistake—houseplants generally prefer to dry out slightly between waterings.
• Drainage: Ensure the grower pot has drainage holes to prevent excess water from sitting at the roots, which can lead to root rot. If you’re using a decorative pot, consider using a saucer or removing excess water after watering.
• Repotting: Most plants are happy in their grower pots for a while. If the roots are circling the bottom or pushing out of drainage holes, you may need to repot with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
• Fertilizing: Wait at least a month before fertilizing. During the growing season (spring and summer), use a diluted, balanced houseplant fertilizer. Hold off on fertilizing in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
Step 5: Ongoing Care
Regular Maintenance:
• Routine Checks: Monitor your plant’s health by checking for yellowing leaves, dryness, or pests.
• Humidity Needs: Many houseplants thrive in higher humidity. If your home is dry, consider misting your plant, using a pebble tray, or running a humidifier nearby.
• Follow Care Guides: Each plant has unique care requirements. Refer to our care guides for watering schedules, pruning tips, and long-term maintenance.
Seasonal Tip: 🌿
During winter, indoor heating can dry out the air, so your plants may need extra humidity. In summer, they may require more frequent watering as temperatures rise. Keep an eye on soil moisture and adjust care as needed.
