Alocasias are beautiful, tropical plants that are popular among houseplant enthusiasts. Unfortunately alocasias, especially variegated ones, are among the most sensitive plants to ship. They very often will sustain some damages in the mail and we strongly recommend if you purchase a variegated alocasia to pick Next Day Air shipping. 

Fortunately, it is very easy to acclimate your plant back to its glory days. In this article, we will discuss how to acclimate Alocasias that have been shipped in the mail.

Unpack the Alocasia as soon as possible

The first step in acclimating Alocasias that have been shipped in the mail is to unpack them as soon as possible. The longer the plant stays in the box, the more stress it will endure. Carefully unpack the plant and inspect it for any signs of damage or stress. If the leaves are wilting or yellowing, don't panic. This is a natural response to shipping stress and will usually resolve itself once the plant has acclimated to its new environment.

Give the Alocasia time to adjust

Alocasias can take some time to adjust to their new surroundings, especially if they have been shipped in the mail. During this period, it is important to give the plant time to adjust and monitor its progress closely. You may notice some signs of stress, such as wilting leaves or brown spots. These are natural responses to shipping stress, and with proper care, the plant will bounce back.

Pot the plant in moss

This step is essential in order to nurse your alocasias back to healthy stage. If you receive your alocasia NOT in moss, gently removing the plant from the substrate without damaging the roots (as much as possible but if you damage the roots a little it's totally okay!), and wash the roots then plant it in a moss BOX. (Tips: Use a clear plastic bin for easier to check on the state of the plant) It should be an enclosed box with moist moss at the bottom (about 2-4 inches in height of moss) to increase humidity. Your alocasia will put out new leaf very soon, typically within 2-3 weeks. If you receive your alocasia in moss, just gently put the plant in the moss box. 

Make sure to lift/open the box daily for airflow and if the moss feels dry, spray some water with a spray bottle to keep the moss moist. You should be able to see humidity solidified on the sides of the box.

After the plant has put out 3 or more new leaves, you can start to acclimate the plant to normal greenhouse conditions or room conditions.

Water the Alocasia carefully

Proper watering is critical to the survival and growth of Alocasias. However, it is especially important during the acclimation period. When plants are shipped, they may have gone without water for an extended period, and they may need extra hydration to get them back on track. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as this can cause root rot and other problems. The key is to water the plant carefully, making sure that the moss is moist but not saturated.

Provide the right light conditions

Alocasias require bright, indirect light to thrive. However, it is essential to provide the right amount of light, especially during the acclimation period. Too much or too little light can cause stress to the plant. If the plant has been shipped in the winter or early spring, it may need to be acclimated to brighter light gradually.Barrina T5 is a good recommended grow light!

Maintain proper humidity levels

Alocasias are tropical plants that thrive in high humidity environments. When shipped in the mail, the plant may have been exposed to dry air, which can cause stress and damage. To acclimate the plant properly, it is essential to maintain proper humidity levels. You can achieve this by misting the plant regularly, placing a tray of water nearby, or using a humidifier.

In conclusion, acclimating Alocasias that have been shipped in the mail requires a little extra care and attention. By unpacking the plant as soon as possible, giving it time to adjust, watering it carefully, providing the right light conditions, and maintaining proper humidity levels, you can help your Alocasia thrive in its new environment. With proper care and attention, your Alocasia will become a beautiful addition to your home.