shipping plants through the mail

[littlefrog]

Heh... My post office knows what I ship (orchids and sometimes frogs), and has never given me a problem. But, after experimenting for quite some time I've come to the conclusion that writing "Live Plants" or any other message on the box is just an invitation to disaster. It seems like any box I write on has a far higher rate of mishap than the ones without special instruction.

Now, it could be just chance. Or, it could be that there are a few postal workers who haven't quite 'gone postal' yet, and take their frustrations out on the boxes. Regardless, I think it is better to pack the plants assuming no special handling (which they aren't going to get anyway), and also assume at least a day or two more than the estimated delivery time. Pack for the worst, and pray for the best.

I'm pretty sure you can have packages held at the receiving end's post office. That might be good for cold weather shipments.

[Royal]

My post office knows what I send too. They haven't seemed to care, except one lady always makes a comment about loving orchids - so I gave her a couple. She's really nice and very friendly, and I haven't had a problem since! Really, I've never had a problem, but now we get to talk orchids when I come in the the PO.

littlefrog, I think you are right. They all seem to get the same treatment regardless of any special care instructions. The carriers are used to seeing their own 'Perishable' and 'Fragile' stamps, so I don't think that calls too much attention. It's better than nothing, I think. Interesting discussion.

[Soonix]

Living in Canada when i find somebody willing to ship to me, i request for them not to write that there are orchids in the box. Not wanting to increase the odds of not receiving my package, works like a charm everytime!!!

[moogiemama]

I have shipped all kinds of plants without a problem. I always send them Priority and when asked, tell them that the contents are fragile and perishable. Everything is delivered within a day or two and the recipients have never had a problem. - Lynn

[kiki-do]

But is it against the law to ship houseplants that are in soil? He seem to make soil the issue. He was going to look up the regulations but we were causing such a line that he said okay once I said they were not in soil.
BTW, they arrived at their destination today....safe and sound. Whew! This is an interesting thread. I am interested in knowing how everyone handles their shipping. Thanks for all the imput.

[moogiemama]

Many of mine are shipped bare root to save on shipping costs.

[kiki-do]

What about orchids that need to remain moist? Still bare root? Like a phrag? How would that be packaged?

Originally Posted by moogiemama

Many of mine are shipped bare root to save on shipping costs.

[Soonix]

I have received stuff bareroot in moss and sealed in a ziplock bag. The moss release the moisture and the bag keeps it in.

[moogiemama]

I have sent a paph in a plastic pot filled with lightweight potting medium. Placed newspaper around the top of the medium and protected it by wrapping the whole thing in newspaper, taped to keep it safe. The best advice for shipping any plants is on Dave's Garden. They explain it clearly and answer all the questions.