Receiving leafy succulents by mail is always an exciting moment. No matter how well-packaged the product is, plants always undergo stress during transportation, especially in long journeys. In this article, we will explain how to properly restore leafy succulents received by mail so that they can quickly adapt and continue to delight you.

1. Receiving and Inspecting the Plants

Once the succulents arrive at your address, the first thing to do is inspect the plants. Carefully check each one for possible damages:

• Cracks and tears on the leaves: This can be due to excessive pressure or sharp temperature fluctuations.

• Root damage: If the plants were transported without enough soil or with damaged roots, additional care may be needed.

• Signs of rot or mold: Carefully check the joint where the stem connects with the roots and leaves.

If the plant has obvious damage, it is a good idea to trim or remove the damaged parts to prevent disease spread.

2. Refreshing the Roots and Planting

Step 1: Refreshing the Roots

After receiving the plant, allow it some time to recover. Initially, do not plant it right into the new pot. It is better to refresh the roots first:

• Gently remove any old soil, if present, to evaluate the condition of the roots.

• Trim off any rotten or damaged parts of the roots using a clean and sterile tool.

• If the roots have been damaged or are dehydrated, leave them in a dry place for a few hours (or overnight) to recover.

Step 2: Preparing for Planting

Once the roots have dried a bit and recovered, you can proceed with planting the plant in the new pot:

• Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

• Prepare the soil by adding osmocote (slow-release fertilizer) for long-term nourishment, as well as perlite, pumice, and a little coco coir(sieved). These ingredients will improve drainage and promote the development of fresh new rootlets.

• If you have a rooting hormone, it makes sense to treat the dried roots with it. This will stimulate the rapid formation of new, fresh absorbing roots capable of absorbing water. Until they develop, the plant will not have the means to absorb water and recover.

3. Acclimatization Period and Watering

Step 1: Cease Watering for a While

After planting, do not water the plant immediately. Leafy succulents do not like overwatering, especially right after the stress caused by transportation. Give the plant some time to adapt to its new environment. Typically, waiting 3-5 days before the first watering is sufficient. The first watering should be done with fungicide added, which will help prevent rot and diseases.

Step 2: Shade Period

For the first two weeks after receiving the plant, it should be placed in a shaded location. This will prevent stress from direct sunlight, which can harm unadapted plants. Shade will allow the plant to focus on recovery rather than rapid growth, which could lead to damage.

Step 3: Gradually Introduce Watering

After a few days, start watering but in moderate amounts. It is best to water the plant once the soil is completely dry to avoid root rot.

• Ensure that the plant is placed in a warm, bright spot, but without direct sunlight in the first few days.

• Gradually increase the amount of light, allowing the plant to adapt.

4. Controlling Lighting and Temperature

Once the plant has gone through the initial recovery stages, it is important to create comfortable conditions for it:

• Place the plant in a location with good lighting but avoid direct sunlight to prevent burns.

• The ideal temperature for succulent recovery is between 18 and 24°C.

• Reduce the temperature if the plant begins to grow too quickly to prevent unwanted tissue changes.

5. Results of Recovery After Stress

After a few weeks, if properly cared for, your plants should begin to recover:

• The leaves will start becoming firm, vibrant, and healthy.

• The roots will develop, and the plant will begin to grow actively.

• Depending on the type of succulent, new shoots may appear.

Signs of Successful Recovery:

• The leaves begin to take on a healthy texture, becoming less soft and watery.

• New growth starts appearing on the plant — this is a clear sign that the plant has adapted to the new conditions.

• If the plant has flowers, they may begin to bloom after a couple of weeks of recovery.

6. Conclusion

Restoring leafy succulents after mailing requires time and patience. But with proper care, the plants will quickly adapt and continue to delight you with their beauty and uniqueness. By following simple recovery guidelines, you can ensure your plants have a long life and successful growth.

Remember to treat the plants with care and attention, and they will surely reward you with their vibrant appearance and healthy development.