Bare Root Shipping

     Bare root shipping is the best way to transport plants for a variety of reasons. The number one reason is bugs. Yep, bugs. No matter how much care is taken bug infestation is always possible.

     I recieved two orders complete with aphids one time, thrips the next before I went to bare root ordering exclusively. Both orders were from major/reliable nurserys. I placed several orders with these companies that had no problems at all. It's just something that can/does happen. While not completely eliminating the chances of infestation it greatly reduces it.

Another benefiet is savings passed on to you. Without the cost of a pot or the added expense of shipping dirt you can grow your collection at a reduced cost.

The only draw back is shock to the plant and I am not so sure one way is any better than the other. I have received many plants both in pots and bare root. Either way the survival rate is almost 100%. I always re-potted plants as soon as I got them anyway.

There are a couple things you can do to help your plants adjust:

First and foremost they need to soak in SuperThrive before planting. If you have SuperThrive be sure to use it. If you do not and you are ordering from me its not that big of an issue. I soak all plants in SuperThrive before they are shipped out.

After planting Sarracenia fill their pitchers back up, just under half way, with RO or distilled sodium free water.

After planting Nepenthes fill their pitchers half full as above.

Keep them in high humidity for a few days to a week if you can, above 50% (above 85% for Nepenthes). This will help them settle in and adjust from the trip. Then climate them into your normal growing conditions.