How to Ship Plants and Flowers with the Right Materials

Before the steps, you’ll want to know what materials you need. The process for shipping smaller plants differs slightly from sending a larger plant (like a tree), but the available materials you will need are similar.

These include:

• Insulation foil or an insulated box
• UniHeat heat pack (72 hours is the most common duration) for cold-weather destinations
• Gel ice packs for hot weather destinations or seasons
• Newspaper or other packing paper
• Styrofoam pieces, packing peanuts, or a sustainable alternative
• Tape
• Scissors

Fun fact: In 1946, NASA invented the metallic insulation material known as “space blanket,” commonly used for shipping today.

7 Steps for Safely Shipping Plants

1. Check Local Weather and Destination Weather

Did you know the ideal temperature range for most plants during shipping is 40°F to 70ºF (4°C to 21°C)? Suppose you’re shipping your plants somewhere with freezing temperatures, extreme heat, or other inclement weather conditions. In that case, you must ensure it is adequately insulated to prevent damage.

For example, if you’re based in the southwest United States, the average temperature does not get lower than 40ºF even in the middle of winter. This means that you need to take extra precautions when shipping your plants to somewhere like the northeast side’s cold weather in the winter, where it may be closer to 20ºF.

Additionally, if it’s in the middle of summer, your flowers can wilt pretty quickly in the heat. No matter where you are shipping your plants, it is always best to start by checking the weather.

2. Prepare the Plant for Shipping 

Once you know what the weather will be like for your plant’s move, it is time to prepare your plant for relocation. The main question you’ll want to consider during this time is whether you will be shipping your plant bare root or potted.

For most plants, shipping bare root is best, but there are, of course, exceptions. For example, larger plants with thick or barked stems should be left in the pot as they can be hard to remove without damaging the plant.

If you ship your plant bare root, remove it from the pot and shake off any excess soil. Remember that root systems are incredibly delicate and prone to breaking, so you must be gentle and take your time during this process.

3. Wrap Up Bare Root Plant or Secure Potted Plant

Now that your plant is prepared, it is time to secure it. You must wrap the roots if you have opted to ship your plant bare root. To do this, carefully wrap the roots in a damp paper towel and secure them with plastic wrap or a plastic bag.

If you ship your plant in its pot, you must secure it, so the soil does not fall out of it during the move. To do this, place the pot (with the plant in it) in a bag, place wet paper towels over the surface of the dirt, and secure the bag to the base of the plant.

Securing the roots is an essential step to protect plants during shipment. As mentioned above, the roots are very delicate and must be carefully packaged to prevent damage.

4. Choose Your Insulation Method

Next, you’ll need to select your method of insulation. Your insulation is the protective cover that keeps your plants from freezing in the cold temperatures of winter and cool during the hot months. Different insulation options are available, from Styrofoam boxes to foil blankets to cardboard box insulation inserts.

We believe the best option on the market — and the most sustainable — is the fully-recyclable Renewliner box liners. Made of eco-friendly and recyclable PET plastic, Renewliner has been recognized by the Cold Chain Global Forum as one of the most sustainable temperature-controlled projects.

5. Select and Utilize Heat or Gel Packs

One of the best ways to protect your plants from cold snaps and heat waves is to include a heat pack or gel pack in your package. This will help your plant stay within the ideal temperature for shipment. Remember that you will want to ensure that your pack will protect your plant for the entire time the plant is being shipped. If this is not the case, exposure to too much cold or heat can make your plant’s roots freeze or whither the beautiful flowers.

Finally, remember to always follow federal and state regulations and prioritize safety. It’s crucial to handle dry ice properly and use sufficient packaging techniques to ensure successful and safe transit of your products. Feel free to share your own experiences with dry ice shipping, and become part of a community, which understands the importance of safe and successful dry ice transportation.

6. Finish Packing the Box with Proper Cushioning

Cushioning helps keep your plant from rattling around during shipment. You can use packing paper, packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or increase the size of your sustainable liner for extra cushion to ensure your plant is effectively cushioned for shipment.

7. Attach Label and Ship

Once you have finished packing your box, you can tape it closed, attach the label, and ship it. We recommend writing “Fragile: Live Plant” and “This Side Up” clearly on the package’s exterior to ensure it gets the careful attention it deserves while shipping.

Weather Monitoring and Shipping Considerations

Understanding the logistics of shipping your plants is just as important as packing them well. Here are the three things you must remember when shipping your plants.

Risk Assessment Based on Local and Destination Weather

Knowing the average frost dates, thaw cycles, and hottest days of the destination can help you implement the necessary precautions for ensuring your plants travel safely. You can easily find this information online.

Optimal Shipping Days

Shipping plants and trees is different from shipping a t-shirt or dining set. Plants are living, and they require care. Because of this, you must ensure the plant spends the least time possible in its shipping container. This means you do not want it sitting in its box over the weekend because those are not included in “business day” shipping.

To avoid this, make your shipments on Mondays or Tuesdays, making it more likely that your package will arrive before a non-shipping day.

Check Shipping Restrictions and Regulations for Certain Plant Types

Not all plants are allowed in all parts of the nation and world. Ensure that you check any regulations or restrictions on types of plants, sizes, and anything else that may delay or cause a rejection of your shipment. This is especially important if you are shipping internationally.