How to Acclimate Rare Plants After Shipping

Even the healthiest plant experiences stress during shipping. From temperature changes to time in darkness, the journey from our Detroit nursery to your doorstep can be an adjustment — and that’s perfectly normal.

Acclimation is the gentle process of helping your plant recover and adapt to its new environment. With patience and the right steps, you’ll set it up for long-term success.

Step 1: Unbox Carefully

Open your package as soon as it arrives. Every Rare Plant Fairy order is packed to withstand transit, but your plant has been in a dark, sealed box for several days and needs light and air.

• Gently remove packing material around leaves and roots.

• If any soil was displaced during shipping, gently return it to the pot and press lightly around the base of the plant for support.

• Inspect for any bent or yellowed leaves — this is common and temporary.

• Avoid repotting immediately; your plant needs stability first.

If you ordered multiple plants, keep them separated for the first few days so you can monitor each one’s adjustment individually.

Step 2: Reintroduce Light Slowly

After shipping, your plant’s leaves are more sensitive to light. Place it in bright, indirect light for the first week — near a window but out of direct sun.

Direct exposure too soon can cause leaf burn or dehydration. Gradually increase brightness over 7–10 days, especially for species like Anthuriums, Philodendrons, and Alocasias, which prefer filtered light.

If your space is dim, a low-intensity grow light on a timer (8–10 hours per day) helps mimic gentle daylight.

Step 3: Acclimate Humidity

During transit, humidity levels are lower than your plant’s natural environment. To help it adjust, you can create a simple acclimation chamber:

• Place the plant inside a prop box, clear bin, or plastic container with some air holes.

• Keep the lid partially open for the first few days, then gradually open it wider over a 7–10 day period to reduce humidity slowly.

• This technique is especially helpful for plants that look droopy or for species that naturally prefer high humidity, such as Alocasia, Anthurium, and Jewel Orchids.

This gradual approach prevents shock from sudden environmental changes and helps new roots strengthen as the plant adjusts.

Step 4: Check Moisture, Don’t Overwater

Most plants arrive pre-watered, but it’s important to check soil moisture once unpacked. If the soil feels dry to the touch, give it a small drink of water. For plants that look wilted or dehydrated, hydration is especially important.

If your plant was shipped bare-root, pot it into our RPF Aroid Soil Mix — a breathable blend designed for tropical roots. Water lightly to settle the mix around the root system.

Avoid heavy watering right away; roots need oxygen as much as moisture during the adjustment period.

Step 5: Expect a Short Adjustment Period

It’s normal for plants to look slightly droopy or lose a leaf or two within the first week. This is part of the transition.

Once acclimated, new growth will appear, and any minor imperfections will fade as the plant adjusts to your home’s humidity, temperature, and light cycle.

Step 6: Monitor, Don’t Micromanage

Resist the urge to overwater or move your plant repeatedly. Stability is key.
After the first week:

• Begin your normal watering schedule based on the species.

• Maintain consistent humidity (ideally 60–70%).

• Observe new growth — that’s the best sign your plant has settled in.

Acclimation is not about doing more — it’s about creating the right environment and letting your plant adjust naturally.

A Note from Our Growers

Every Rare Plant Fairy shipment leaves our Detroit nursery fully rooted, acclimated, and inspected by hand. We include complimentary weather monitoring and package insurance, so your plants arrive healthy and ready for success.

Still, every home environment is unique. Acclimation is your opportunity to help your new plant find its rhythm — and watch it flourish for years to come.

The Rare Plant Fairy Promise

We’re with you from the greenhouse to your living room. Whether it’s your first Anthurium or your fiftieth rare Alocasia, our growers and customer support team are here to help.

Discover more rare, ethically grown plants raised with care in Detroit.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I repot my plant after it arrives?
Not right away. Your new plant needs time to rest and adjust after shipping. Repotting immediately can cause unnecessary stress to the roots. Wait about 2–3 weeks before transferring it to a new container — or longer if it still looks like it’s settling in. When you do repot, use a breathable medium like the RPF Aroid Soil Mix for optimal drainage and airflow.

Why do my plant’s leaves look droopy after shipping?
It’s completely normal for plants to look a little tired after being in transit. Drooping typically improves once the plant rehydrates and adjusts to your home’s light and humidity. If the soil feels dry, water lightly, and consider placing it in a clear bin or prop box to help it re-acclimate gradually to ambient humidity.

How long does acclimation take?
Most plants adjust within 7–14 days. You’ll know the acclimation period is over when you see signs of new growth, firm leaves, and stable color. Some slow-growing species, like Alocasia or Jewel Orchids, may take a little longer to fully rebound — patience is key.