How Izzy's Tropicals Packs & Ships Your Plants

At Izzy's Tropicals, we know that getting a healthy, thriving plant delivered to your door takes more than just a great shipping carrier — it takes care, expertise, and the right materials. Here's an inside look at exactly how we prepare your plants for their journey.

Step 1: Order Review & Plant Selection

Every order begins with a careful review of what you've purchased. Our team hand-selects each plant from our climate-controlled greenhouse, choosing specimens that are healthy, well-rooted, and ready to thrive in a new home. We never ship plants that show signs of stress, pests, or disease.

Step 2: Pre-Ship Preparation

Before packing, we allow the soil to dry slightly for most tropical varieties. This reduces weight, minimizes the risk of root rot during transit, and keeps your plant comfortable on its journey. For bare-root or semi-hydro plants, we wrap the roots in moist sphagnum moss to maintain hydration without excess moisture.

Step 3: Secure Wrapping

Each plant is individually wrapped to protect its foliage and root system:

• Foliage is gently gathered and wrapped in tissue or kraft paper to prevent breakage.
• The pot or root ball is secured with plastic wrap or a sealed bag to contain any soil or moisture.
• Delicate stems and leaves are cushioned with crinkle paper or foam sleeves for added protection.

Step 4: Box Packing

We use sturdy, right-sized corrugated boxes to minimize movement during transit. Plants are nestled snugly with eco-friendly packing material — no plant should be able to shift or tip inside the box. For taller plants, we use custom-height boxes or add internal supports to keep everything upright.

Step 5: Climate Considerations

Tropical plants are sensitive to temperature extremes. During cold months, we include heat packs rated for the expected transit time and temperature forecast along your delivery route. In extreme heat, we schedule shipments earlier in the week to avoid weekend delays in hot warehouses. We monitor weather forecasts and may hold shipments if conditions could harm your plant.

Step 6: Shipping & Tracking

We ship via trusted carriers including USPS, UPS, and FedEx, selecting the fastest available service for live plants. Once your order ships, you'll receive a tracking number via email so you can follow your plant every step of the way. We recommend being available to receive your package promptly — the sooner it's out of the box, the better!

When Your Plant Arrives

Open your package as soon as it arrives. Remove all wrapping materials, give your plant a gentle inspection, and place it in bright indirect light. Water lightly if the soil is dry, and give it a few days to acclimate to its new environment. A little post-transit stress (minor leaf droop or yellowing) is normal and typically resolves within a week.

Have questions about your order or need help after delivery? Contact us — we're always happy to help your plants settle in.