If you’ve recently received mail-order plants, you may be wondering what to do next.
More people than ever are ordering plants online, and it’s completely normal for plants to look a little tired when they arrive. Leaves may be droopy, soil may feel dry, and your plant may need time to adjust.
This is called transit shock, and it’s a natural part of the journey.
The good news is that with the right care in the first few days, your plants will recover quickly and begin to thrive.
Here are the five most important things to do when your plants arrive:
1. Unbox Your Plants Immediately
Remove all packaging as soon as possible.
Plants need fresh air, light, and stability to begin recovering from shipping.
Handle gently, but confidently.
2. Check the Soil Before Watering
Before watering, touch the soil.
If the soil feels dry several inches down, water thoroughly until moisture drains through. (
Grow Pro Tip: Hydrate your plants from the bottom up. Simple place the plant in a shallow dish of water, they will hydrate what they need by soaking up the water through the nursery pot drainage holes.
If it still feels moist, wait 24–48 hours.
Overwatering too soon can slow recovery.
Place Your Plants in Bright, Indirect Light on a patio or next to a sunny window depending on the outside temperture.
Avoid harsh direct sun immediately.
Bright, indirect light helps plants adjust safely and reduces stress.
4. Give Your Plants Time to Acclimate
Your plants have experienced:
• Darkness
• Movement
• Temperature changes
Give them a couple of days to adjust to their new environment.
Some leaf drop is normal during this time.
New growth is the best sign of recovery.
5. Resist the Urge to Do Too Much
Grow Pro Tip: Consistency builds confidence — for both you and your plants.
Avoid fertilizing or repotting immediately.
Let roots stabilize first.
Healthy growth will follow.
Why Proper Plant Care After Delivery Matters
Ordering plants online makes gardening more accessible than ever.
Understanding how to care for plants after shipping builds confidence and sets your garden up for success.
Whether your plants are growing in patio containers, grow bags, or desktop gardens, the first week is the foundation for long-term health.
Gardening isn’t about perfection it’s about participation.
It’s about learning to grow.