FIRST TIME IMPORTING?
Let’s be honest, acclimating plants can be stressful!
Plants are expensive, and to see them decline in health is definitely frustrating and worrisome.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help!
The truth is, even healthy plants can struggle during acclimation. New light, new humidity, new temperature—it’s a lot. Just like us, plants need time to adjust to change. But that doesn’t make it any less nerve-wracking when your baby starts showing signs of stress.
That’s why we’re here to guide you through it! With clear instructions, honest expectations, and real support. All you need is a bit of patience, consistency, grace, and a little extra love!
Your plant is just settling in. You’ve got this—and we’ve got you!
ACCLIMATING PLANTS 101
Sometimes, doing less really is doing more!
While you might see others removing all the moss from the roots or thoroughly washing the plant again upon arrival, we actually recommend not doing that and here’s why.
At My Secret Plant Shop, we make sure every plant is properly cleaned, treated, and prepped before shipping. That means you don’t have to stress about doing it all over again. In fact, freshly imported plants are already under a lot of stress, so extra handling can do more harm than good! However, it’s also important to recognize that every plant and situation is different. Sometimes, you might receive a plant with pests or damage, and in those cases, it’s best to remove and trim all the damage and treat for pests to prevent further harm.
OUR STEPS
INSPECT UPON ARRIVAL
As soon as your plant arrives, take a close look at its foliage and check for any signs of pests.
If pests are present, treat immediately with pest spray and quarantine the plant after following the steps below.
During the initial acclimation period, we strongly recommend leaving the plant as is — do not remove the sphagnum moss or disturb the roots unnecessarily.
Why?
Because doing so too early can cause additional stress to an already delicate plant.
WHEN TO LEAVE THE MOSS INTACT
If your plant appears generally healthy:
Leaves are firm
No smell of rot
Moss feels moist (but not soggy)
Then simply place the plant into a container with additional moss, leaving the original intact. Avoid handling or detangling the roots. Fresh imports are especially sensitive to disturbance.
WHEN TO INSPECT THE ROOTS
Only remove the moss and examine the roots if your plant shows signs of stress, such as:
Mushy or foul-smelling roots
Curled, dehydrated, or wilted leaves
Blackened or slimy root tips
If needed:
Gently remove all moss.
Trim away any dead or rotted roots with sterile scissors.
Dust the cut areas with cinnamon — it’s a natural antifungal that encourages new root growth.
YELLOWING LEAVES
Yellowing leaves are a normal response to shipping stress. However, it’s best to remove them, as they:
Divert energy from new growth
May attract pests or encourage fungal issues
During your initial inspection, remove any soft, yellow, or dying leaves to help your plant focus on recovery.
Pot the plant in additional moist sphagnum moss, preferably in a clear plastic pot with drainage holes. We recommend keeping the plant in moss first to allow it to slowly transition to your new environment first. After a couple of weeks, when you see new roots come in, you can pot the plant in a well draining mix of your own choice.
To prepare moss:
- Soak it completely in water.
- Squeeze out the excess like a sponge.
- The moss should feel damp—not soaking wet. This moisture level should be how the moss always be.
TIP: You can cover the top of the moss in plastic wrap to lock in the moisture.
Watering depends on:
- Your specific plant
- The potting medium
- Your local environment (temperature, humidity, airflow)
Tropical plants like to be consistently moist, but not soggy.
Clear plastic pots with drainage holes are helpful—you can monitor moisture and condensation.
- Light condensation (tiny droplets) = perfect moisture.
- No condensation = time to water.
- Heavy condensation = no water needed.
General Rule:
For plants potted in damp moss and kept in high humidity, water every 10–14 days—but always check the moss first.
SuperThrive is a vitamin and hormone supplement that helps plants reduce transplant shock and grow strong roots. We like to water with SuperThrive to help the plant have a smoother transition, but it's not necessary!
HOW TO USE:
Mix: 1 drop of SuperThrive per 4 liters (1 gallon) of water.
Apply: Water your plant with this mix during the first or second watering after potting.
Soaking option: Soak the root zone or moss in the solution for 15–30 minutes before potting.
Frequency: Every 2–4 weeks during the acclimation period only.
🔸 Do not overuse—more is not better.
🔸 Avoid using SuperThrive alongside strong fertilizers.
🔸 Not recommended for long-term regular use once the plant is established.
Provide bright, indirect light, such as:
- Near a window with a sheer curtain
- Light reflected off a nearby wall
- Under grow lights
Plants generally need between 6-12 hours of light daily.
Ideal temperature range: 15–25°C (59–77°F)
If your space is warmer or cooler:
- Keep humidity steady
- Ensure good airflow
- Monitor moisture carefully
Tropical plants love high humidity, especially for imported plants!
Target range: 50–80%
If your environment is dry, consider:
- Using a humidity box (clear plastic bin or bag)
- Pebble trays
- Humidifiers
TIP: You can cover the top of the moss in plastic wrap to lock in the moisture.
The acclimation period typically takes 2–4 weeks, but every plant adjusts at its own pace. Be patient—this is a delicate transition!
During this time, your plant is adapting to new humidity, light, and temperature conditions. Keep an eye on it, provide gentle care, and avoid major changes. And remember—if things don’t go perfectly and your plant doesn’t make it, that’s okay. Every experience helps you grow as a plant keeper.
Don’t be too hard on yourself—learning is part of the journey!
PLANTS IN AMBIENT
We get it—not everyone wants a humidity box taking over their living room. You probably want to enjoy your plants in your natural home environment and yes, it’s absolutely possible!
But here’s the honest truth: freshly imported plants are like jet-lagged travellers. They’ve been through a long, stressful journey, and giving them a temporary “spa” (like high humidity and stable conditions) helps them recover and build strength first, before transitioning to a different environment again.
Think of it as a healing phase—not a permanent setup.
Once the plant has acclimated—usually within 2 to 4 weeks—it’ll be much more resilient and can transition to ambient room conditions more comfortably. You’ll know the plant has acclimated when it pushes out new roots or a new leaf!
Once your plant has acclimated and is showing new growth (roots or leaves), you can begin making gradual changes.
REPOTTING
Transfer your plant from moss into your preferred well-draining mix. Gently remove only the loose moss—leave any that’s clinging to the roots to avoid damage. Pot it in a clear plastic pot so you can easily monitor root health and moisture. Water thoroughly, and keep the mix slightly moist moving forward.
HUMIDITY
Gradually transition your plant to ambient humidity over a week. If it’s in a plastic bin, start by cracking the lid open a bit more each day. Or, move the plant out of its humidity setup for a few hours daily, slowly increasing exposure until it’s fully adapted to normal room conditions.
Sometimes, you might not have the space or setup for a humid environment—and that’s okay! You can still acclimate your imported plant directly in ambient conditions with a little extra care.
- Choose a bright, warm, draft-free spot.
- Keep the plant consistently moist, but not soaking.
- Add a tray of water or a small humidifier nearby to boost humidity.
- Expect slower recovery and watch for signs of stress, like wilting or crispy leaves.
- Cover the top of the moss/soil with plastic wrap to help lock in moisture.
That’s it! Have fun, don’t stress, and make sure to enjoy the process! Plants are meant to bring us happiness. And if you’re struggling, we’re always a DM away! And most importantly, if the plant doesn’t make it, don’t consider it a failure and be afraid to buy another; learn from what went wrong and try again! That’s the beauty of plants!