How to Acclimate New Plants After Arrival

Receiving a new plant is exciting, but the first few days after arrival are important. Plants can experience changes in temperature, humidity, light and airflow during shipping, so giving them time to adjust can help them settle into their new environment.

Start With the Environment

Before making major changes, place your new plant somewhere with suitable light and stable temperatures. Avoid immediately moving it between very different environments.

Bright, indirect light is a good starting point for many tropical plants while they adjust.

Check the Plant

Take a few moments to inspect the leaves, stems and growing medium. Some minor changes after shipping can be normal, particularly if the plant has spent time in a dark box.

Avoid making several changes at once. Give the plant time to respond to its new surroundings.

When Should You Water?

There is no universal watering schedule for newly arrived plants. Check the growing medium first and consider the plant’s individual requirements.

If the medium is already sufficiently moist, additional water may not be necessary immediately.

Give It Time

Acclimation is about allowing the plant to gradually adjust. Avoid immediately placing a newly arrived plant into intense sunlight, dramatically increasing humidity or repotting unless there is a specific reason to do so.

Once the plant begins producing healthy new growth, you’ll have a better indication that it has settled into its new environment.

The Key to Successful Acclimation

Keep conditions stable, observe the plant and make changes gradually. A little patience during the first few days can give your new plant a much better start.