Shipping delicate items such as plants requires a proper preparation to make sure you are doing it correctly. To help you out, we have compiled an easy step-by-step guide on how to pack succulents for shipping. Read the packing tips prepared by our logistics experts and discover the best way to ship succulents and cacti so they arrive safely at their destination.
Plants are usually restricted or prohibited items for shipping. Please note that insurance may not apply.
BEFORE SHIPPING
Succulents and cacti are some of the best plants for shipping because they are sturdy and can withstand long periods without water. Even so, there are still some things you should have in mind before booking a courier service for shipping your succulents:
SHIPPING OPTIONS
HOW TO PACK
There are two main ways of packing succulents and cacti for shipping: bare-root or in pots (or containers). Below you will find the packing instructions for each.
Shipping bare-root succulents is one of the most convenient ways of sending your plants by mail or courier. Follow the steps below for packing your bare-foot succulent for shipping:
Some succulents and cacti aren’t suitable for bare-foot shipping, so you cannot remove them from the soil. Here are the guidelines for packing succulents for shipping in pots/containers.
The main difference between shipping succulents and cactus is that the latter is often harder to pack, due to its different shapes and spikes. To ensure your cactus will be safe during transit, you may need to add several layers of tissue paper around it, and an outer layer of a sturdy cushioning material such as newspaper or cardboard.
When sending a cactus to someone, you can also choose between bare-root or potted shipping, even though the second option is the most used for this type of plant.
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
Plants are natural living organisms, which is why their transport is heavily controlled by the authorities. If you wish to ship succulents and cactus domestically or internationally, the first step is to ensure you have all the required certificates for doing so. Check the shipping regulations imposed by the origin and destination countries and follow their guidelines.
Different places will have different regulations. For example, when shipping succulents across the country in the USA, you will have to comply to the rules imposed by the different states, since they are established independently. However, shipping succulents and cacti within the EU is usually possible if the plant is grown and transported inside the member countries. Please assess your situation individually, and feel free to contact us if you need any extra assistance.
See how to ship other plants
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Unfortunately, not all courier companies will ship succulents internationally. For example, DHL, TNT and UPS will not ship packages that contain plants within the content. Each courier has specific rules and requirements for different shipments and services, so we recommend checking this further with the designated courier for your route. When booking Express or Priority shipping services, please make sure not to include these items as the courier will refuse to collect the parcel. If you need further assistance, you can reach us by chat, phone or email before shipping to discuss your options further.
It depends on the plant. Some succulents are not suitable for bare-root shipping because they may be too fragile to be taken out of the soil. In such cases, it is better to ship the succulent in its pot.
However, for plants that are strong enough, the best way to ship the succulent is packing it with bare-roots. With this method, your package will be smaller and lighter since you won’t have to ship the soil and the pot. Besides that, the plant will be safely packed, without the worry of spillage or breakage of the container.
The most recommended practice is to use plastic containers when shipping potted succulents internationally because they are lighter and do not have the risk of breaking. If you do not have the option of using a plastic container, try choosing a small ceramic pot and consider wrapping it with bubble wrap to make sure it will be safe during transport.
The easiest way of shipping multiple small cacti at once is to pack them in a cardboard box with internal divisions. The dividers are important to make sure the plants will not be touching each other. You can purchase cardboard boxes and internal dividers online or in stationery stores, or you can make the dividers yourself with cardboard sheets.
Sending a succulent or cactus to someone through the mail or by courier is easy because all you have to do is insert the recipient’s information as the “consignee”. The shipping company will be responsible to deliver the package directly to the person you designed.
If you absolutely need to ship your succulents during winter, the best thing to do is choose a fast delivery method to ensure your plant will be in transit for the shortest time possible. Standard courier services cannot guarantee a temperature-controlled environment.
Unfortunately, insurance does not apply when shipping restricted items. Therefore, if you choose to ship succulents and cacti by courier, you will be doing so at your own risk.