How we safely ship your rare houseplants in the winter

At Casa Botanica, we get one question a lot, especially in the winter: “Is it safe to order a plant right now?” The answer: yes, absolutely —precisely because we take extra care during this time to ensure your rare green treasures are properly packaged and protected.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through, step by step, how we pack and ship your plant to make sure it arrives at your doorstep looking beautiful, healthy, and happy.

Why winter shipping requires extra care

Rare houseplants are often more sensitive than the average houseplant. Cold drafts, temperature fluctuations, and long travel times can cause stress. This can quickly lead to problems, especially with tropical species.

That is why we at Casa Botanica have developed a standard winter protocol to ensure that:

• The plant is protected from the cold and drafts
• The plantcannot move around in the box
• The plant travelssafely and comfortably
• You don't have to worry about a thing—just look forward to your new purchase

Step 1: Inspect the plant before packing it

• Before we even start packing, we check the plant:
• Does he lookstrong and healthy?
• Are the leavesfree of damage or pests?
• Is the potting soiltoo wet, so that it doesn't cool down unnecessarily during the trip?

Only when everything is in order will your plant be sent to the packing table.

Step 2: Protecting with bubble wrap

In winter, insulation is everything. That’s why we carefully wrap your plant in bubble wrap:

• The plastic wrap acts like a warm coat around the plant
• It protects againstcold air and drafts
• It also absorbsshocks and vibrations during transport
• We always make sure the plant can still breathe and that the leaves aren’t unnecessarily constricted. It’s about protection, not suffocation.

Step 3: Secure it with a sturdy box and support

Just as important as warmth: stability. A plant that tips over or rubs against the sides of the box can end up with damaged leaves or broken stems.

Therefore:

• Should we use a sturdy, appropriately sized box?
• Let’s secure the pot firmly with paper and support material
• Let's make sure the plant doesn't shift during the trip
• Think of it as a secure seatbelt for your plant—it holds it firmly in place, yet comfortably.

Step 4: Free heat pack 

For long distances and/or extremely cold weather, we include a free heat pack as standard during the winter. This is a small heat pack that slowly releases heat during the trip.

Why we do this:

• It prevents the temperature inside the box from dropping too low
• It helps the plantmaintain a stable temperature
• It reduces the risk of cold and frost damage

We always place the heat pack so that it provides warmth but isn't in direct contact with the plant. This keeps it comfortable—not too hot.

Arrival: How to Tell if a Plant Was Shipped Properly

When you open the box, it should feel like you're unwrapping a gift—with a plant that looks just as beautiful as it does in the photo.

When unpacking, please note the following:

1. Let the plant acclimate gradually.
2. Don't place it directly next to a heater or in direct sunlight. Carefully remove all plastic wrap and packing materials.
3. Check to see if the soil is slightly moist. Is it very dry?
4. Then you can water it lightly.
5. Place the plant in a bright, draft-free spot so it can recover from the trip.
   

Why we go to so much trouble

At Casa Botanica, we don’t just sell plants—we sell rare, often one-of-a-kind specimens that you’ve been eagerly awaiting. We know how exciting it is to order such a special plant online, especially in the winter.

That is why we are doing everything we can to:

• To ensure your plant travels safely and stays warm
• Prevent damage and cold as much as possible
• So you can order with confidence, all year round

In summary

• We inspect every plant before shipping
• We use bubble wrapto protect against cold and shocks
• Wesecure the plant firmly in a suitable box
• For long distances, we use afree heat pack to keep the temperature stable

This way, you can enjoy new, rare houseplants even during the coldest months of the year—without any worries, and with plenty of enjoyment.

Do you have questions about shipping in your area or about a specific plant? Feel free to send us a message—we’re happy to help.