Newly Received Plant Care

Greetings and thank you for your support!

Your newly arriving plants are likely to be a bit stressed from their journey. Shipping can cause dehydration, leaf wilt, or shock. Placing them directly into dry air, full sun, or intense wind will only make things worse—sometimes even killing the plant. During travel, plants essentially “shut down” and need time to wake up and adjust. That’s why it’s so important to reintroduce them to growing conditions slowly and carefully. In the guide below, you’ll find pointers to successfully acclimate your plants to their new growing environment.

Please note: This is a general guide and not plant-specific, but it works well for most soft-stemmed tropicals and houseplants. Do not use this guide for succulents! Succulents like Kanna or San Pedro prefer drier air and can rot if kept too humid.

Step 1: Planting

• If in a root plug, plant your specimen in a small pot with good soil and drainage, then water it in well—or alternatively, place it into the hydroponic medium of your choice.
• Be sure the plant is placed into mild growing conditions such as room temperatures and gentle lighting. Avoid extremes until the plant is settled.

Step 2: Help Your Plant Adjust to the Air

• Cover the plant with a humidity dome, a clear bag, or a cut plastic bottle. This traps moisture and keeps humidity high while the plant recovers.

(Very important!!)

• At least twice daily (preferably 3–4 times), follow these steps in order:
• 1. Lift the cover off the plant.
• 2. Mist the inside of the cover if it’s dry, and mist the plant if it looks wilted.
• 3. Gently waft the cover near the plant to encourage air exchange and evaporation.
• 4. Place the cover back over the plant.

• Each day, add a couple of small holes to the humidity cover to gradually introduce drier air. Continue reducing misting until none is needed and you no longer notice any plant wilting.
• After several days, remove the cover completely and observe your plant closely. If it wilts, replace the cover and try again later. Once it stands strong without humidity assistance, you’re ready for the next step.

⚠️ Never place a covered plant in direct sun! It will overheat quickly. Keep recovering plants at stable room temperatures (70–80°F / 21–27°C).

Step 3: Gradually Adapt Your Plant to Stronger Light

• When your plant has adjusted to open air, begin light acclimation by slowly increasing light intensity. It’s important to do this gradually while watching closely for any wilting or leaf color changes after each increase.
• If you plan on moving your plant outside, start by placing it in bright, indirect light.
• After a couple of days, move it into slightly more intense light—such as early morning or late afternoon sun when it’s not as strong.
• Each day, extend this exposure time slightly. If your plant wilts, move it back to lighter shade and try again the next day.
• Once it can handle a full day of sunlight without wilting, it’s fully adapted. If it continues to wilt after a week, your growing environment may be too intense—try partial shade or filtered light instead.

Step 4: Watering and General Plant Care Tips

• Always use soil appropriate for your setup—indoor potting mix for houseplants, outdoor mix for patio plants, etc.
• Choose the right pot size: too large holds excess water; too small dries too fast and can cause root congestion.
• Ensure good drainage. Never let a plant sit in standing water—except species that prefer “wet feet,” like kratom.
• Water slowly and thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. In general, wait until the top layer of soil dries a bit and the pot feels lighter before watering again. For succulents, wait until nearly dry; for tropicals, keep evenly moist.
• Always water after transplanting to help settle the soil around the roots.

Step 5: When to Contact Us

Please contact Bounty Botanicals immediately after your plants are delivered if they appear damaged or unhealthy. Include photos of the condition upon arrival. If you wait too long or attempt recovery before reaching out, we must assume gardener error and can’t honor our “happy plant arrival” guarantee. Still, don’t hesitate to ask questions—we’re always glad to help.

Step 6: A Few Final Notes

Some plants—like Mimosa pudica (Sensitive Plant)—may drop leaves during shipping due to lack of airflow. This is normal and they’ll regrow. Others, like kratom, often adapt quickly with minimal stress. Patience and gentle acclimation are key to success.

With a little care and gradual adjustment, your new plants will bounce back beautifully and thrive in their new home.