Shipping live plants.

[agavedave]

Hi folks,

I have been shipping a few spare agaves each year and usually just put up a list on my website and then respond with recent pictures to anyone who shows an interest.

I'm frequently finding that available boxes and packaging material the limiting factor rather than available plants that sadly end up left outside or worse still on the compost heap come October.

For many years I have relied on loose fill packing chips to fill around the bare rooted plants and a good supply of sturdy cardboard boxes by intercepting anything of use on it's way to the skip at work. Loose fill packing chips seem to be used less nowadays and not so easy to scrounge. So all that I'm left with is yards of brown paper and pillow packs courtesy of one of the big online retailers who seem to have both in abundance.

What do other folk use for wrapping plants and stuffing boxes? Any good tips or pointers much appreciated.

Regards
Dave.

[Diane]

Crumpled newspaper works for me, and I re-use any other packing filler that arrives with ordered plants.

[agavedave]

Thanks Dianne,

I have always been concerned that crumpled paper can be a bit harsh and tends to rub on the leaves a bit.

Do people expect pristine show winning plants for a few pounds each when they have been through the postal system or is it the case of acquiring something that will grow into a nice plant - one day? That said, an agave that is 4 inches across is still a baby.

Dave..

[Diane]

As a seller of agave pups, I always wrap the pup in kitchen roll first, with the label attached with an elastic band, and placed carefully in the box with newspaper. This seems to be a quite acceptable method (I've had no complaints!) and those that I buy are packed similarly.
Maybe you are worrying a bit too much? I'm sure your plants arrive at their destination just fine!

[DaveW]

You can get loose fill off EBAY, but of course the cost goes on your plant.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/polystyrene-chips

[agavedave]

Thanks

I try to keep shipping costs down by recycling as much as possible. I'll try wrapping in a softer material first.

I normally wrap the roots in kitchen towel and secure with masking tape, just to save on the mess of residual loose soil and grit being dislodged in transit.


Dave..

[Astro]

As a seller of agave pups, I always wrap the pup in kitchen roll first, with the label attached with an elastic band, and placed carefully in the box with newspaper. This seems to be a quite acceptable method (I've had no complaints!) and those that I buy are packed similarly.
Maybe you are worrying a bit too much? I'm sure your plants arrive at their destination just fine!

Same, although I use it for spare Lithops and not agave. Kitchen roll (paper towels here in the US) to wrap the plant, a piece of tape to hold it tight and the name written on the paper. Some loosely wadded newspaper to make sure the plants don't rattle around in the box during transit. This works well enough for plants that are only a few dollars/pounds a piece. On the very few occasions I've ordered something more expensive through the mail, the plants really weren't wrapped up any more securely, and none the worse for wear.

One interesting detail (not particularly applicable to agaves I guess) is to wrap some aluminum foil and damp paper towel around roots that should stay damp. Useful for actively growing Bulbine for example.

[Ivan]

Sheets of bubble wrap are readily available here with a lot of things we buy and order. It comes in sheets and you can cut it to suit and adds no weight. Even make small envelops. I honestly throw quite a bit of it out. Here is just a sample...

wrap.jpg (86.8 KiB) Viewed 3113 times

[ralphrmartin]

I wrap the plants I send in newspaper, which generally works fine (dont try to wrap too tightly - loosely is better). Extra gaps in the packet can be packed with crumpled paper. This has some natural give, which helps protect the plant.

There are two things I hate to find when plants are sent to me
- plants sent in pots. They are far more likely to get damaged that way by the weight of the soil etc.
- plants wrapped in paper which is then stuck with tape. It makes it much much harder to get the plants out undamaged. Just roll the plants up in the paper and fold the ends over. Nothing else is needed.

[ralphrmartin]

I also believe paper is better than bubble wrap. The plants transpire, and bubble wrap traps the moisture.