I have had two interesting events this year that I wanted to pass on to those who question the mailing of plants. I ship hundreds of plants out to customers each year, and have very few problems. I tried something new this year.
I sent 2 lotus runners to a customer which had several growing tips on each runner. The customer emailed me saying that the plants arrived and were brown and the small leaf pads were broken. I do not know how the USPS handled them so roughly as they were well packed and green when they left here. I gladly offered to replace them, but asked for them to be returned. The customer sent them back to me by regular mail. Almost two weeks from the time I sent the plants, I received them back. I planted them, and both plants survived and are growing.
I sent a tropical lily to another customer, who said the plant arrived also in poor condition. The customer said it was very limp and turning to mush. I replaced it, but again asked for the plant to be returned. It was returned also by regular mail. I received the plant, planted it, and again, the plant is surviving and growing.
I am posting this so that members realize that the plants are not as fragile as is sometimes assumed. If the plant is not left to dry out completely, nor stewed in a plastic bag of water, plants often will respond. In may take a while longer, but do not cast your favorite plants aside when something happens to them. They are stronger than you may think.
