Importing 101: How to acclimate, where to buy, and more!

Importing 101: How to acclimate, where to buy, and more!

Bringing the beauty of overseas houseplants into your home can be a thrilling adventure. Importing plants is an awesome way to diversify your plant collection and introduce exotic, rare, or hard-to-find species into your home jungle. However, it's important to approach this exciting opportunity with careful planning and awareness of the regulations and considerations involved in the process. In this blog post, we'll explore the exciting world of importing plants and offer guidance on how to do it responsibly and successfully.


Part 1: The Allure of Imported Plants, Legal Considerations, and Finding an Importer 

  • One of the main reasons to consider importing plants is the immense diversity and rarity you can access. You can acquire species that aren't typically found in your local nurseries, adding a unique touch to your collection. 

Choosing reliable nurseries or suppliers with a history of successful international plant shipments is incredibly important. Read reviews, seek recommendations, and do your due diligence to find trustworthy sources. I personally recommend Aroid Market, Greenspaces.id, and Tropicals - Plants from South America.


Part 2: The Acclimation Process 

It's important to acclimate freshly imported plants, whether they come from Indonesia via mail or from a Tropicals or Ecuagenera plant pop-up sale. Sudden changes in conditions will stress the plants, which is to be expected. I want to delve into the details of how I acclimate my plants and share all of my tips and tricks. I've been engaged in plant importing since 2021, which has allowed me to gain firsthand experience with the highs and lows of the acclimation process. Here’s a weekly breakdown of my process:

  • Week 1: Receiving the plants is an absolute thrill. On the first day, the first step is to inspect the plant for any pests or diseases. The plants go through extensive inspections by US customs, so this should not be a major concern. If there is a pest or disease issue, you will have to treat it immediately and inform your importer, but continue with the acclimation process regardless. Once you inspect your plants, immediately remove them from whatever substrate they are in and allow your plants to sit in plain water with no nutrients. Ensure your plants are in an environment with humidity levels ranging from 75% to 85%. Change the water daily for three days. After this initial period, I recommend introducing a mild fertilizer into the water. I've observed that the first three days are the most critical for the plants, during which plain water serves the primary purpose of rehydrating the plant. From days 4 to 7, let your plants soak in the nutrient-rich water, only replacing it if necessary. 
  • Week 2 & 3: After being rehydrated and nourished with fertilizer, your roots and plant should look stronger and healthier. Following this initial period of 7 days, I recommend transplanting the plants into my personal favorite moss mix, which consists of equal parts sphagnum moss, perlite, and stratum. Make sure your plants are still in a high humidity environment, around 70%. Continue to monitor your plants daily, paying close attention to any signs of root rot or declining health. Leave your plants in this moss mix for a minimum of 14 days. Over this two-week period, anticipate increased root growth and the possibility of new shoots emerging.
  • Week 4: Depending on the condition of your plant, you can proceed to transfer it into a chunky aroid mix. You can then confidently acclimate your plants to your typical room conditions. Be diligent about daily inspections for another 5-7 days. After a patient 5 weeks, your plants should be looking fantastic!


Part 3: Final Thoughts

I want to emphasize that it's entirely normal for imported plants to die upon arrival. This is not your fault, as you cannot control the stress they undergo during their journey to your home. In case all else fails, you can still rescue a plant by propagating from any healthy nodes. Personally, my favorite method for propagating nodes is to place them in a cup filled with my moss mix, maintaining a 90% humidity level. However, you can also achieve success by putting them in a propagation box alongside your other plants or even in a Ziploc bag with moss. 

Importing plants is not just about acquiring unique and beautiful specimens but also about embarking on a journey of discovery and appreciation for the natural world. However, this journey must be undertaken with caution and responsibility. By adhering to the legal requirements, selecting the right plants, and providing proper care, you can transform your space into a beautiful mini jungle, filled with the wonders of international rare aroids. Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, importing plants can be an enriching experience. 

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