Acclimating Houseplants After Shipping: 14-Day Plan

Acclimating houseplants after shipping is the difference between a rough first month and a rare tropical that settles in, keeps its leaves, and starts pushing new growth. This plan walks you day-by-day from unboxing to thriving - covering triage, light and humidity ramps, watering cadence, plus when to prune and feed.

TL;DR

Days 0–2: Unbox, rehydrate, no direct sun.
Days 3–7: Step up light slowly, keep humidity in the 50–70% zone, water only when mix says so.
Days 8–14: Reach your target light, normalize humidity/airflow, begin light pruning if needed; feed only once you see active growth.

For deeper dives, see our Bright-Indirect Light ramp and Humidity guide.

Day-0 Triage (Unboxing Checklist)

1. Sanitize the stage: Clean scissors, clear a counter, wash hands.
   
   
2. Unbox gently: Remove packing, support stems; don’t yank tape off leaves.
   
   
3. Inspect: Note any yellowed leaves, bent petioles, or damaged roots. Minor shipping burn is normal.
   
   
4. Hydrate smartly:
   
   

• • If soil is dry: water thoroughly until runoff, then drain.
    
    
  • If soil is wet: do not water. Let it air to just moist.
    
    

1. Pests & pathogens: Quick flashlight check under leaves and along petioles. If unsure, isolate the plant for 7–10 days away from your collection.
   
   
2. Placement (for today): Bright room, no direct sun, away from heat/AC vents or cold windows.
   
   

Pro tip: Resist repotting on Day 0 unless roots are rotting. Most imports prefer a calm, stable first week.

The 14-Day Plan (at a glance)

* Feed “maybe” = only if you see active new growth (a new leaf, developing roots) and the plant is not stressed.

Light Ramp (slow and kind)

Goal: arrive at bright-indirect without shock.

• Days 0–2: Bright room light. Keep 3–6 ft from south/west windows or use a sheer.
  
  
• Days 3–5: Move 6–18 inches closer to the window or raise your grow light to increase intensity ~10–20%.
  
  
• Days 6–7: Reach your target position for bright-indirect.
  
  
• Days 8–14: Hold steady. If the species craves more (e.g., many hoyas), test a slightly brighter spot in the morning hours only.
  

Humidity Ramp (comfort without the funk)

Goal: settle at 50–70% RH with gentle airflow.

• Days 0–2: 50–60% RH; fan on low past leaves.
  
  
• Days 3–5: Lift to 55–65% RH.
  
  
• Days 6–7: Hold 60–70% RH if the species enjoys it (aroids, ferns, anthuriums).
  
  
• Days 8–14: Keep RH steady; prioritize air movement so leaves dry within an hour after watering.
  
  

Need tools? Our Humidity guide covers hygrometers, humidifiers (medium vs large), and why trays/misting don’t move the needle in open rooms

Watering Cadence (read the mix, not the calendar)

• First drink: Only if the medium is dry on Day 0. If it is already moist, wait.
  
  
• Depth check: Use a finger 1–2 inches down or lift the pot and learn the “light” feel.
  
  
• Drainage > frequency: Water thoroughly, then let excess drain. Don’t “sip water” daily.
  
  
• Mix matters: Chunky, airy mixes dry faster. Expect shorter intervals than dense peat.
  
  
• Signs of thirst: Slight leaf curl or loss of leaf sheen; pot feels very light; top inch dry and lower layer trending dry.
  
  

When to Prune

• Immediate (Day 0): Remove mushy, black, or fully yellow leaves; trim snapped stems with sterile shears.
  
  
• Days 4–7: Cosmetic shaping is fine once the plant has perked up. Small, clean cuts only.
  
  
• Days 8–14: You can tidy spent sheaths or crispy tips (angle cut just outside the brown area). Avoid major structural pruning until the plant is actively growing.
  
  

When to Feed

• Wait for growth: Don’t fertilize a stressed or just-unboxed plant.
  
  
• Start light: Once you see new leaves/roots, use a gentle, balanced fertilizer at ¼–½ strength every 2–4 weeks during active growth.
  
  
• Skip if cool/dim: Pause feeding in low light or during winter dormancy.
  
  

A quick note from us 🌿

Got questions about your exact plant, potting mix, or window? Drop a comment below! We love talking plants and we’re happy to sanity-check your setup. Share your window direction, distance from glass, and humidity readings and we’ll tailor the plan.

Common Speed Bumps (and fixes)

• Leaf edges crisping: Humidity too low or light bump was too fast. Drop back a step on light; nudge RH to 60–70% with airflow.
  
  
• Yellow lower leaves: Normal for shipping, especially if older leaves. Remove cleanly; watch new growth.
  
  
• Wet feet, droop: Overwatered. Let the mix reach “dry-ish” before the next drink; increase airflow and check drainage holes aren’t blocked.
  
  
• Bleached patches: Light ramped too fast or direct beam sneaking in. Add a sheer or increase distance.
  
  
• No movement after 10–14 days: Re-check roots (through slots/drain holes), confirm light/humidity targets, and consider a very mild feed if growth is starting.
  
  

FAQ

How long does acclimation take?
Usually 7–14 days for the plant to settle and show signs of normal turgor and color. Some rarer species may take longer.

Should I repot right away?
Not unless there’s root rot or a totally collapsed medium. Wait until you see fresh growth and the plant has stabilized.

What if my space is very dry?
Use a humidifier and a gentle fan; aim for 50–70% RH. See our Humidity guide for specific setups.

Can I give direct sun during acclimation?
Avoid it the first week. After Day 8, a small dose of morning sun may be fine for sun-tolerant species (test gradually).