Birthday Plant Mail FAIL 😭 Snapped Leaves, THRIPS & Seller Response

[@plantsbymelissa]

Update video is now Live here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHzdeXmbodWCsNk

[@scottholder4431]

Melissa seems so cute, innocent, reserved, calm and collected............until she sees some thrips and then she goes balls to the walls.

[@martywolfman]

Indeed. I know it's not a funny thing to happen, but it made me chuckle, just seeing Melissa react like that.

[@lindacambria5413]

So true lol!- not funny it happened but you’re right I couldn’t have imagined her mad! There was no way that plant came well packaged and the thrip damage was not overnight.

[@desertflower9557]

I know, I am always so surprised when she swears. 😊

[@AmericanaGardens]

Yup! 😂😂😂

[@boopeepope56-ey5gz]

I'm sorry I keep rewinding. Its a pest...she's frozen . She goes off😂😂😂😂😂

[@rkplants5670]

Root rot, broken leaves, and thrips? You handled that much better than I would have. ❤😂

[@NaturallyNatural81]

when you make Melissa cuss, we ride at dawn!!!

[@plantsbymelissa]

😂🫶🏻

[@MyJungleRoots]

😂😂

[@Twinleo1]

Ha ha. Best comment ever!!! 😂😂😂

[@pearlrunga-maclaren8756]

😂 Glorious!

[@HappinessIsKontagious]

😂😂😂

[@bellalexi2085]

You did everything perfectly! I’m a 30 years business owner and we would never would have succeeded if we treated customers that way. She got a bad review and we all saw what happened. UNACCEPTABLE. How can she sleep at night knowing she upset a customer who is her bread and butter? How much business will she lose because of her business ethics. You did exactly what you should have. Have a great birthday and move on. I advise a bigger splurge in a plant purchase, and feel like you should, the BEST plant mama, and feeling good about it. Forget this experience! You deserve better.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! 🥹 I will definitely have to treat myself from a reputable seller! You're exactly right! When I start selling more regularly I hope to only be the best I can and if anything happens I make it right immediately. I would never want anyone to feel like I did here.

[@bellalexi2085]

@@plantsbymelissa Well, with that attitude, I will be your most loyal customer! AND I promise you’ll be very successful as a reputable seller. 😜👍🪴

[@conniewilds7655]

I can't wait to make my 1st purchase from U😊

[@wildfern]

Omg what the heck!! I’m so shook at her response 😧 that is brutal. Sorry this happened to you, thrips are so stressful to deal with 💚

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you fern 🥹 yes! they are so stressful 😩 I’m glad she fully refunded me! I’m still sad about the situation and how it was handled but I do truly wish her the best and hope she takes this opportunity to improve 😔

[@animallover1297]

You were very kind and generous to give her a 2 star review. I would put it in an envelope and send it back , thrips and all

[@plantsbymelissa]

My husband told me to leave 1 star 🤭 If she wasn't going to fully refund me I was definitely leaving a 1 star review.

[@jodybogar8605]

Yes, two stars was very generous for sure!

[@Thatguy56117]

As someone who also suffers post thrip stress disorder, your reaction is justified. I just got over a 7month battle with them demon spawn.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Yes! I saw red haha. I had major flashbacks to last summer and the thought of an outbreak made me so mad 😔

[@theoriginalglitchqueen2544]

Straight up! I battle spider mites HARD all summer, a thrips infestation would kill me lmao

[@gretchenritter3955]

Sorry this happened to you! But this video is a good reminder to all of us that online orders don't always go as expected.

[@jaclynns.jungle]

As a seller you should always eat the loss. Never question the customer like this. Sadly, when I post videos like this I get attacked, so I'm glad that's not happening to you! Its important to show that this can happen. A lot of people are afraid to say something! ❤

[@aflanagan13]

Omg crappy situation, but your reaction to the thrips did make me chuckle. You literally reacted exactly how I would’ve hahaha. Feel better Melissa, don’t be too bummed!! 😊

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! I'm still bummed about everything but trying to move past it all. I was so mad at seeing the thrips haha.

[@KattsJungle]

You were 100% justified in standing your ground. You weren't disrespectful and even were very careful to not speak poorly of the seller even with this situation. I appreciate the way you handled this and shared with us, I recently had a VERY similar experience with a prince of orange and didn't get a refund and the seller essentially told me that the spider mites must have come from the usps truck. The plant is still struggling to this day and hasn't grown a single new leaf.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Definitely not okay! When you become a seller you should be inspecting plants super closely. Sounds like it was easy to blame USPS for the spider mites because it couldn’t have already been on the plant 😒 I mean no hate to her and I completely understand things happen. I honestly wish her the best and hope she takes this experience and improves 🫶🏻

[@invaderjill8054]

“Must have picked up spider mites in transit” - that’s a new one. 😂 wow.

[@Tina-wi7we]

I'm glad you stood your ground. It was good for her to learn from this as well. I hope the plant is ok now.

[@Tina-wi7we]

And we all learned from this so thank you for sharing!

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! I'm happy to share my experiences good and bad 🫶

[@kyrad6543]

My friend always said, "if you aren't ready to drop kick your package across the room, you aren't ready to send it through the mail!" Fragile stickers are useless. I feel like most times that just puts a bigger target on your box.

[@TinyHyena1967]

@kyrad6543 ~ Oh, yeah ... NEVER put a warning sticker on a package. That's just begging some mean-spirited postal employee to do exactly what the sticker asks them NOT to do. A couple of months ago we ordered a 2024 calendar. The package arrived with a large DO NOT BEND sticker on the outside. Well, some lovely postal employee decided that was their cue to FOLD the package. Our calendar arrived with a huge crease right down the middle of it.

[@josiekorenek2795]

Yep! I’ve NEVER had any of my plant packages delayed but the one time it said “LIVE PLANTS INSIDE” it was delayed for 5 extra days

[@hithere2468]

Good for you for standing up for yourself! You were much more generous than what I would have been. You have a great attitude and I appreciate you sharing your experience.

[@musicalmarion]

I'm glad you recorded the unboxing. This usually happens without proof. I think with your amazing collection, your reaction was understandable and you were more than fair with that Seller. However, if you were that upset, I'd have just dumped the plant after the refund, end of story. However if anyone can nurse this poor plant back to health it's you, and I'm glad it has you caring for it and not that Seller, Mel ❤

[@MaishiaRussell]

Wow! I’m so sorry you experienced this but I’m happy you made this video to help bring awareness to others before they purchase from this seller

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so much! I felt so bad about everything and it's never my intention to make anyone look bad. I only hope this situation can help others and I definitely learned a lot myself 🥹

[@MaishiaRussell]

@@plantsbymelissa I completely understand and can relate but never feel bad for telling the truth! I love your content, you are one of the most genuine plant vloggers so I know and your other viewers know your intentions were not to be malicious.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! 🥹

[@kimberlylarkins8858]

Melissa, I think you handled this very well. I’m a relatively new plant mom and try my hardest to check my plants. I’d never seen a thrip before you shared and it helps so much. I’d love to know if you already have or if you’d consider making a video on how to get rid of spider mites, thrips, fungus, gnats, etc.

[@dianespring3228]

You are completely right! That plant had bugs before she sent it. You definitely should have been refunded. That is not normal business practice! So sorry this happened to you. But I want you to have a wonderful birthday 🎂

[@shvnique]

this made me realize that I need to do a better job at inspecting my plants so thank you for this. also, as a girlie that curses a lot, I loved hearing your cursing 🤣 it was real and authentic which makes me appreciate this video even more. I look forward to seeing the progress on this plant. I think you can rehab it and have it blossom into the plant you want it to be.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! 🥹🫶🏻 haha I definitely have my cursing moments. I try not to do it on camera or I edit things out but I felt like I had to share how I was feeling here 😢

[@jayplantman]

I have the luxury of never ever having ever seen thrips. I know not the terror.

[@pepperbuster]

Sorry to hear you had to go through this ordeal for your birthday 😰 I hope the plant heals and you beat those pesky thrips! It'll be wonderful to see an update on this baby down the line when she's well and thriving. There might have been lots of frustration but it's good that at least the issue was sorted out with the seller. Wishing you loads of good luck!

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so much! I checked on it today and no thrips yet so I think that's my sign to try and save it 🥺

[@rachelzimmerman2773]

I love how the seller blamed everyone else instead of taking responsibility.

[@roselynburciar7401]

You handled this situation correctly; you gave the shop owner the chance to make it right. Being a plant business owner I’m surprised she didn’t realize you have a following on YT & many people will see how she handled this situation. I have to say you had me & my hubby laughing when you dropped those bombs when you saw the thrips. We totally understood after you battled thrips in the past on your marantas. We ❤ watching you & your videos are very helpful & entertaining. Have a Happy Birthday 🎈

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! I’m not sure if she knew of my account or not. I didn’t say anything to her. I always want a fair purchase 🥺 I was trying to be understanding on both sides and I wasn’t mean at all. I was so upset when I woke up the next morning and read her response 😔 I felt like I shouldn’t have had to ask for it.

[@brendamoncayo2743]

Sorry this crap happened to you on such a special plant. I gotta say it was totally funny and caught me off guard to hear your curse. That was the Real-Deal right there. No holding back. Loved it!

[@plantsbymelissa]

haha I was so mad at seeing the thrips. I had such a bad flashback to last summer 😂

[@marymorris9421]

Sorry for your disappointment, especially on your birthday. You handled it well. I hope your plant survive and the pests are gone.

[@ashleybuffa7971]

After watching your journey with thrips last year I completely understand your reaction. I would feel that way regardless of any pest I found.

[@rhondafisher72]

So sorry this happened to you. She definitely needed to fully refund, with your beautiful collection I would be really upset too. Fingers crossed it comes out ok.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! I'm still upset by everything. I think if I opened this in my plant room I would be so worried right now. I am definitely taking this experience and will be more cautious moving forward with unboxings and where I order plants from 🫶

[@dora9368]

Melissa I'm sorry you experienced this.😢 Thank you for sharing with us. I like the way you handled this issue with a professional demeanor.😊 I hope everything turns out well for you and the plant/s 🌿🌵

[@XenaGL]

I think you did the right thing and your response and feelings are entirely reasonable.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! 🙏

[@XenaGL]

@@plantsbymelissa of course!

[@angelina.dejesus]

Hahahaha 😂 “WTF IS THAT” I couldn’t relate more, darn thrips!

[@plantsbymelissa]

haha in my head I immediately knew what it was but I was like this cannot be real rn. I was just so disappointed 😔

[@bre1699]

I’m so sorry you went through this. If you’re looking for recommendations I enjoy Lost in the Forrest in Minneapolis, great shipping, amazing owner. I also looked at blossm and cannot find your review I really hope it didn’t get deleted.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! Never heard of them before! I'm not sure why the review isn't there 😔

[@kelseymaassen2286]

Lost in the Forest is amazing!

[@rebeccareber2208]

What a sad experience for you, and on birthday plant mail too! You handled it the best way you could even tho you were uncomfortable about the whole thing! Although I have to say I’m not super excited to order online, which I’ve only done a couple of times. Good luck with it all!!

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! 😢 It can definitely be risky sometimes especially if you don’t know the seller. I hope the plant will be okay though and no thrips pop up 😬

[@ConnieP92]

Sorry this happened Melissa! And yes unfortunately things can go awry at times. But glad it was resolved and hope that thrips don't emerge! You've had your fair share of them for the last 2 months 😖😩🥺😱

[@cutiecaper]

Awe Melissa I wanted to hug you through the screen! Happy Birthday ❤🎉

[@coconutgirl816]

I'm just impressed that you can see thrips with your bare eyes, i need a magnifying glass to see pests. That's why they're always four generations in before i catch on.

[@scarydebbie]

So very sorry…I’m dealing with my first thrips find on some of my plants and felt your panic….NOOOOOO. Thank you for sharing your wisdom which has helped me immensely, and happy birthday!!!

[@Twinleo1]

Omg. What a bummer situation, but honestly, I LOVE this video!!! This was a good reminder to open everything outside! Seriously. I’m so tired of pests. I will have spider mites forever 😡 Luckily when I spotted thrips, they were only on 3 new plants over a couple months, so I was able to get rid of them. I kept them in my laundry room under a grow light for 6 months 😂. After 6 months of not seeing any, I finally felt okay with bringing them out. I just really didn’t trust them. You should have a little flashlight handy too. It’s crazy how hard they are to see until you shine light right on them. I know you know that though. I just saw some spider mites on my Silver Sword with my light on my phone 😡. I never noticed them before. Ugghh. Spider mites suck so bad and I feel like I will never get rid of them permanently 🤨

[@patriciamusquiz2834]

Such a beautiful 🪴plant! You did the right thing reaching out to her to fix the situation. I have that plant too in my collection and just love her so much. I hope the plant recovers. She pushes out leaves very frequently. ❤️

[@HappinessIsKontagious]

That whole plant would've hit the trash soooooo fast!! ALWAYS ALWAYS ask for a refund in scenarios like this. You matter! I'm so sorry that happened to you.

[@lakishaharris4399]

I’m so sorry you experienced this. Thanks for sharing. I have never experienced thrips that I know of, but hearing others discuss it, makes me scared. You deserve a refund, and they really need to go through and treat all their plants before sending out anymore.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! Thrips are horrible because it can take awhile to get rid of them and they can do so much damage. It's just stressful all around. I hope she checked her collection and learned from this situation 😔

[@EternalBeautyy]

Oh boy that is A LOT of thrips damage! Not just a little. So sorry 😢 That sucks

[@plantsbymelissa]

thank you 🙏🥲

[@jackiesmithwinkworth3085]

Just got home from work. Unbelievable! It’s a good thing you are so diligent about looking over your plant mail, and I am so happy about the end result: a refund and hopefully/eventually a healthy plant when all is said and done. You deserve it especially because it is a special birthday plant!

[@Droppingseeds7047]

I'm saddened for you, but im glad you got a resolution that you are happy with. Be patient with the plant. ❤

[@lily-arezubar]

I‘m so proud of you that you explained your points and stood your ground! And I’m so sorry you had this devastating experience, especially on your birthday. I hope you still could enjoy your special day and I really hope the plant will be okay. You always inspire me with your nature and the way you handle things, so don’t doubt yourself. We’re all inspired by you! I have a palli coming from Ecuagenera so maybe that’s an option as well. I paid 28 Dollars for a pretty mature plant and live in germany. Shipping was like 10 dollars and 4 dollars handling. I’m crossing my fingers for you and your collection! ❤️stay strong!

[@melissaanne4589]

This is ridiculous. I hope you are able to save this plant and that the rest of your collection isn't compromised

[@beckvang2174]

This is honestly my worst nightmare.. I've only had about 2 good plant mail experiences out of the 10+. I no longer order plants online, but I understand those that do, especially if your nurseries don't carry these plants. But to carry a pest as well? Not okay AT ALL. I dislike the way this seller handled the situation, super unprofessional. I would be just as upset girlie. I'm so sorry that this happened. 😢

[@Laura-Ransan]

I feel the same way, Melissa, I would have done the same and I would also feel the same. The "win-win" would have also brushed me the wrong way. All that you said about your thoughts and feelings is exactly how I felt watching this and putting myself in your shoes❤

[@plantsbymelissa]

She immediately went into defense mode and she probably thought I was trying to scam her. I had all the footage so that wasn't the case at all. The win-win statement wasn't necessary 😒 I've definitely learned so much from this experience 🤗

[@Laura-Ransan]

@@plantsbymelissa I think we all have learned. At least I have. Having just realized a massive infestation of thrips coming home from a holiday trip (also told you about this on Insta 😂) I know to be even more careful when bringing in a new plant.

[@well_rooted]

Wow! I can be super all or nothing and I feel like I’d have trouble eventually trusting the plant to truly be pest free. I’d always live in fear of the what ifs! So it’ll be nice to see how you handle it! No pressure! Whatever you do is the right thing for you!

[@plantsbymelissa]

Definitely being very cautious with it. I only hope it doesn’t have any more thrips that will hatch because then I don’t know if it will be worth the hassle 😫

[@alenaplokhova1]

I understand you so well! Recently I decided to order a Monstera Albo (it was my dream), it was expensive for me and the seller sent me a photo of the plant with the root before sending it. It was important for me, since the first attempt to root the plant was terrible, it rotted. As a result, my plant arrived with all the broken roots, they rotted in 1 day on the way, although I understand that the seller simply sent me an old photo. The leaves of the plants were all damaged and cut off, there was nothing like that in the photo! In general, I just received a cutting without roots. My face was exactly like yours, I wanted to cry of course! Of course, it's too early for me to be upset, I'm waiting for the plant to finally give roots, I hope so! I’m so sorry! ❤

[@Serepin]

And it started out so hopeful and full of expectation!

[@Plantcrazelise]

Oh my god, I'm feeling sooo bad for you now! 😕😢😢😢 But thank you for sharing it, I really learned much from it. Hope you update us on how you treated it, how it's going with the plant, if it spread to your collection, and how you handled it with the seller. I wish you good luck ❤❤❤

[@PlanteeSunday]

Aww Melissa! I’m sorry your pali arrived this way. Not an ideal situation for sure. On the bright side, I have a pali myself and they are sooo resilient, easy care and are fairly pest resistant. I don’t doubt the plant will bounce back and thrive in your care! I look forward to updates. Good luck, girl 😊

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! I hope it will be okay 🙏 I feel like I can't give up on it but I am definitely worried it might have them still.

[@user-kh9ki3kq8m]

good for you for exposing a bad seller! sending someone straight up pests can cost them way more money than they ever spent and this seller is clearly screwing people over and could possibly ruin someone’s plant collection.

Ughhhh this is so frustrating!! Another reason why I’m nervous to order online. You handled the situation well.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you!

[@puddsmax863]

Most online orders I've received just fine! Check all the reviews. I usually do not order from somewhere if it's below 4.5 stars. :)

[@nofields9904]

I totally agree.

@@puddsmax863Thanks!

[@NicoleButler-jx9hg]

I’m so sorry this happened to you! I had anxiety just watching this, like I’m sure a lot of us plant parents did. I hope the plant pulled through for you. Would love an update video.

[@houseplantfein]

So sorry. I had this experience recently but it was fungal. I did ship it back to the seller but you are right. We shouldn't have to. I hope this didn't ruin your bday.

[@plantsbymelissa]

I'm so sorry about your experience! I never heard of sellers asking for plants to get shipped back. I guess they want to try and resell but you're definitely right! It's a live item so it's most likely just going to stress in the mail again.

[@Nurse2sandoval]

I agree with you very upsetting to see how you were sent this plant so disappointing 😮. I’m glad you were refunded your money I already deleted her information definitely a professional seller. I am praying you can save it and I’ll be waiting to see how this evolves. Wishing you the best.

[@VierkaVasquez-ov2jp]

You’ve always been my favorite plants heroine - I started my journey and have been following you since (over a year). You calm me down 🥰 But during this video I was like “WTF!, look at what thrips did to my inspiration!” 😳 Like, clearly I have never have them and now I am so afraid of them. 😭 Seriously: I am sorry you had to go through this and glad they refunded you fully. I’m not a professional seller but I’ve travelled with plants and even I have packaged them better than how your plant was packaged. But please don’t let this incident steal your peace any longer. PS. Praying I never reincarnate as a thrip, anything but that, at least not while we share this life simultaneously.

[@nofields9904]

You are a superstar. I’d be out of my mind. That’s the main reason I’ve been afraid to buy from anywhere but the huge online nurseries. I try to learn from all you KZbin people. So thank you for teaching and sharing.

[@plantsbymelissa]

I won’t be purchasing from random sellers anymore! Not worth it 😔

[@ElevateAestheticsbyGissele]

SMH very inappropriate and irresponsible of the seller 🤦🏽‍♀️ I'm so sorry this happened. This scares me now when buying new plants but I learned so much from this video and your experience Melissa. Thank you so much for sharing this, you handled this so well! I will be even more diligent when I handle my new plants and am now going to look through my entire collection 😅

[@yolondarobinette3799]

Those places on the leaves are where blooms come from. The growth point is that separate place you pointed at. Good luckI! It’ll be fine you got this!

[@emoo2342]

Rot AND thrips? Unacceptable. You deserved so much better. I hope that seller is being held accountable...still watching. Hope there is a decent outcome.:L I'm so sorry this happened. I was sent an alocasia with mealies from Green Escape and I've finally eradicated them after 3 months of treatment, quarantine, and repots--that sucked. I can't imagine being sent a plant with thrips.:c

[@chokchokda3rd]

Ugh so sad. Im looking at my pallidiflorum now and telling it how grateful i am for it

[@tierrawilliams4849]

I felt the anxiety when you find thrips. So sorry you had to go through that. You was trying out a new site and this happens. Hope this doesn’t make you feel like you won’t try again. Do as you need to treat the plant and make sure you collection is fine. It’s always something but we want and love our plants and if whatever needs to be done we do it.

[@JulissaAzak]

Helpful video showing how you should treat a new plant with pests to avoid spreading!

[@carinaoakshott1086]

I am so sorry this happened I recently ordered a philodendron silver sword and when it arrived 3 leaves had snapped of it only has one leaf and I was so sad but no thrips so now I feel grateful. I learn so much from your content thank you for sharing this x

[@plantsbymelissa]

Sorry to hear that! 🥺

[@clearwaterbeachhomesearchm5957]

Sorry Melissa. I hope we have a fantastic plant update in 8 months.

[@SweetbutSassy]

That is one of my wishlist plants as well and you have every right to be upset! The seller did not package the plant appropriately nor inspect thoroughly for pests!! I know the plant will make a comeback in your care. I'm so sorry you had this experience but it's also a teaching moment so thank you!

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so much! I felt like I got lucky finding this plant and knew I was taking a chance but I learned a lot and I am definitely going to make changes ordering plants in the future!

[@SweetbutSassy]

We do take chances ordering online, but you have taught me that it's ok to leave a review and request a refund when I don't receive what's expected. I don't like confrontation either, but because you spoke up, you received a refund, and your review allows others to be mindful and thoroughly inspect their plants.

[@Loveturtle5]

Oh my God Savannah! My US dream city! Hamburg here! Melissa, just needed to say that I thought your response was more than justified and the handling after first class. Respect. I really did feel your pain! Dealing with a biblical thrip outbreak right now myself. And winter shipping woes to boot. Thanks for the very timely content!

[@heathermc5557]

Holy moly!! Sooo frustrating for that seller to be so careless with the packing and the pests! Seems that they just wanted to pawn off on someone or a seller that has no idea! Melissa elegantly cussing 🤬 don’t blame you

[@Beautybysweetpea12]

I love the transparency in this video! We’ve all been there when you unpackage a plant and it’s not in the shape you expect. I would’ve reacted the exact same way. You should been refunded, the plant lost 50% of its leaves, another leaf was yellowing, It had root rot and thrips.

[@HappyBuffalo-ky9ni]

Your reaction to the thrip was me earlier when I brought a new plant home. I was so upset. I just threw it away. I kept it away from my other plants, so I hope they didn’t spread to my other plants.

[@carineds]

So sorry you had to go through this. Bummer for a birthday present. You did right by asking that refund. No way you should accept such kind of plants. Take care Mellisa💝

[@classychictipz]

Sorry this happened to you Melissa! 😢 I've been collecting plants over 5 years. Before the pandemic, I ordered a rare plant from a well-known nursery. It was yellowing when it arrived. I lost half the plant within a few days. I contacted the seller, and they did ask me to ship the plant back for a refund. I didn't think anything of it because this was before the plant craze. I never ordered from them again. I did have exceptional experience from Gabriella Plants. The plant came wonky, and with no questions asked they sent me a new plant. Hopefully, that seller checks her collection for an outbreak before sending out more plants.

[@plantsbymelissa]

So sorry that happened to you!

[@jimpickens5936]

I feel you. I recently got three succulents mailed to me and one had powdery mildew (killed the plants next to it too) and the other had barely any leaves but going strong for now

[@growingratitude-paulaf334]

Oh sweet girl! How dissapointing, frustrating and down right sad. As far as seller expectations, I have typically had 1/2 discount if I am keeping the plant to rehab and full refund if sending back for seller ro rehab. Wow, i hope your plant mail gets more successful and the rest of your Birthday goes swimmingly!!

[@lisamiller3857]

Here for the algorithm and good luck to you sis! If anyone can rehab and give this plant its best life it’s you!

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you so much!

[@Hollywiththeflowers]

Livid!! Does anyone else get the feeling she just wanted to unload a rotting pest covered plant on someone & Melissa just happened to be the unlucky one? Polyfill wouldn’t move around in shipping like that. I sure as shit know that isn’t a thing that, those leaves would get the other side of the polyfill . Really is a sellers responsibility to ensure that they inspect plants before they ship them. It’s a high value plant, that could have cost you a whole lot more in treatment for thrips if you hadn’t noticed them & they got in your plant collection. Oh what a beautiful new plant you have there.. I’m sure you are so happy you bothered buying it? Happy birthday anyway! Good luck with it .

[@plantsbymelissa]

I would hope no one would ever do that to someone on purpose that is just wrong 😟 I’ve been checking over my plants every day since and put out lots of predatory mites so hoping nothing pops up. I’m still very anxious about it 😔

[@Lillianv7]

Girl! I would’ve been just a pissed as you! But you kept putting your hair on the table and it was stressing me out! Glad you stood up for yourself and the rest of the plant community cause this is everyone’s worst nightmare.

[@tracys_plants]

First time watching. Heart breaking! You are tougher than me, I would have taken to any outside dumpster immediately. So sorry that happened!!!

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! I wanted to toss everything I was so upset but I felt like the plant wanted me to care for it in a way. I know that sounds crazy 🥺 I hope no more hatch and my collection is ok!

[@tracys_plants]

@@plantsbymelissa fingers crossed!!!

[@sarahcordova1227]

As I’m watching this, I’m inspecting a black pagoda lipstick plant and discover a full on invasion of thrips. Never had them before….this’ll be fun

[@angieyaeger2]

You were generous for giving a 2 star review; this is definitely a 1 star experience! I am also grateful that you told us who the seller is because I will be sure to NEVER shop from her. She sounds like she's only in it for the money; playing dumb that she has thrips, and packages terribly. Honestly, who asks for the plant back in order to get a refund?? She "claims" she has never dealt with this before. People lie, obviously. smh so sad

[@plantsbymelissa]

I always let people know where/who I order from whether it's a known plant shop or not. I had no idea what was going to transpire. I was raving in the beginning about her and the communication. I thought she was so nice and kept me informed the whole time. Her response definitely showed me she only cared about still making a profit from this situation.

[@KC-gj4bi]

Ughh I’ve been in your shoes Melissa 😖 sorry you had to go through this. This honestly makes me angry from private plant sellers. If you can’t properly secure a plant for mail and check for pests before sending that plant off you have no business selling plants.

[@dianecaruthers966]

Oh my, this made me want to cry for you. I've recently started collecting some plants, but i would have freaked. When someone wants something defective back it makes me think they don't believe me and I'm trying to scam them. GRRR. Good luck sweetie!

[@Liliplantdiaries]

This is why I don’t like to order from random sites 😢 I’ve had too many issues in the past and when you reach out it’s always “oh this has never happened and I’ve never had these pests” sorry this happened to you Melissa.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! I'm definitely going to be more cautious with where I get plants from now. I really thought based off of her reviews and collection I was getting a happy and healthy plant!

[@jeanniefenton5405]

I had an outbreak of aphids likely from a plant I brought home and didn't check carefully enough, I battled them for a year, several plants died from the treatment, it was a nightmare. so sorry that happened to you

[@karlajohnson5402]

I'm sorry this happened to you. I definitely agree with you on the seller taking ownership here.

[@karlajohnson5402]

Do you have an online plant store? Or you just sell privately?

[@plantsbymelissa]

I’m not selling just yet. I’ve done a few story sales on insta but working on my site 😊

[@karlajohnson5402]

@@plantsbymelissa can’t wait once you do! I’ll totally buy from you cause I know I’ll get healthy/beautiful plants!!

[@snt9518]

Finding thrips on random new plants is a good reason for panic mode, especially in winter when you can't leave them outside! I can imagine finding them on a wishlist plant is much worse. And after that, having a seller react in a way that is not even apologetic... I've had a similar experience last year when I ordered a cutting of a plant I've been searching for for 2 years from abroad (I live in Europe so it's common). After seeing their rooted plants, I requested fresh cuttings as a precaution so there would be no possibility of cuttings to arrive wet and rotted. The seller packaged succulent cuttings in soaking wet paper towels, wrapped in aluminium foil and in a zip lock bag. Dropped it off in a box so it took days to even get picked up, and way to long to be delivered. The temperatures were pretty high, so by the time I received the box, both cuttings were practically melted. I cried. To make matters worse, the seller then tried to brush it off with "I ship this way all the time and it's never happened before". They wouldn't admit the fault was with the packaging, blamed the shipping company and my choice of it, wanted me to split the entire cost of the plant which I didn't have (not one bit was salvageable) and shipping. Worst plant shopping experience possible. I have later bought cuttings from a different seller (also from abroad) for much less, packaged perfectly and it's one of my favourite plants :)

[@plantsbymelissa]

oh my gosh that sounds awful! I'm so sorry that happened to you 🥲

[@beckythebealge]

OMG. You have such a gentle voice and personality. I laughed out loud when you said those F bombs😂

[@plantsbymelissa]

🤭 I really only curse when I am so upset and frustrated. I try not to do it on camera haha or I edit things out but I felt like sharing how I genuinely felt in the moment 🥺

[@vickyvale8675]

Lol, cracked me up too.

[@darrenschwartz2050]

Definitely have been in this situation with succulent purchases, even back when heavy collecting during Cvid. Plant pests are most certainty SCORCHED EARTH for me, it doesnt take much to destroy an entire collection and all the time and money that has been invested in creating said collections.

[@davidreid8835]

Very sorry about your birthday plant fiasco. I am currently waiting to receive a plant shipment from an online seller as well so your situation was an eye opener for me; my fingers are crossed. Unfortunately, poor customer service is all too common in our society. Best of luck with a positive resolution.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! right 😒 Wishing you the best of luck with your plant mail!

[@davidreid8835]

I was considering teasing you a little about your use of profanity but then I realized that was something we have in common because I sometimes resort to profanity in my plant parenting. If I saw thrips on a plant I’d probably swear in multiple languages. I don’t know if profanity helps plants but in my experience it doesn’t hurt, either. Again, I hope your #@!?$ plant fiasco has a positive resolution. lol. I hope you don’t mind my occasional attempts at humor.

[@sunflowerhillhomesteadaust7887]

I'm sorry you had such a stressful experience for your birthday, that was awful. I really hope you had some other nicer stuff to celebrate later xo My birthday is coming up too and I buy plants to cheer myself up for it - I'd be just as devastated if a special plant arrived like that. The packaging was RIDICULOUS, it needed a much bigger box, to be left in the pot so it could be zip tied to the box halfway up, then each leaf separated by polyfill and kept straight, not scrunched around the outside of a lump of fill like that, and then the whole thing protected with another layer. The thrips damage was obvious and there's no way she could have been unaware of that in her plants, if she genuinely is then she needs to take responsibility and stop selling while she deals with the problem. Similar situation to me a few years ago, I bought 2 laying hens who unknown to me but known to the seller imported a horrific disease to my chicken flock, took me a horrible year to get rid of it and a lot of birds died...I told the seller but she went right on selling birds even though she was still having the illness appear in her own flock. Really bad behaviour. Your seller should have immediately refunded you, without the stress, and removed all of her other plants for sale while she goes through and treats them to make sure she's not landing someone else with that situation. Happy birthday, I hope it got better!!

[@cassidyburel1009]

This video made me like you even more! Thanks for giving an honest review and unboxing. That is just crazy!

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thank you! 🥹🫶🏻

[@sheiskaylinha]

Honestly been loving seeing more and more of your personality recently! 🖤

[@lisaanglim9588]

I’m so sorry that this whole thing happened to you. And the seller treated you wrong at first but she eventually odd bright by you in the end. I hope it rehabs with no more of the thrips. I also hope the new emergent leaf is free of thrips. I wait to hear more about your Planty mail.

[@RainbowMonsterxx33]

Systematics girl! Only way I got rid of them on some of my plants, so sorry you had to deal with this. Bought from someone locally recently and they had thrips on their plants so I understand your frustrations, I was so mad lol. You can even put some in the water the plants rooting in I’ve done it several times.

[@plantsbymelissa]

Thrips are no joke! I don't use systemics - imidacloprid can make spider mites multiple more rapidly and I prefer not to use them. You can get rid of thrips with beneficial insects + manual removal :D

[@RainbowMonsterxx33]

@@plantsbymelissayeah the beneficials for me I can’t keep up with and they’re so damn expensive lol, different things work for different people though (:

[@haleyellis2751]

$89 is ridiculous to be receiving a plant with one leaf when it was purchased with 5 because of their poor packaging. And then to have a response like that is completely unacceptable. I’m so sorry you had this experience.

[@blashhtoise]

When those thrips appeared and the f bombs started flying it was plantsbymelissaafterdark! 🤣Thrips are the most annoying and destructive pests so I don't blame you one bit for being upset. Horror stories like this are why I tend to only buy plants at local plant swaps/sales and online shops like BWH or Canopy plant co, but it's harder to get the rare gems. I'm sorry you went through this experience and I'm sending anti-trips vibes your way!

[@sassyjaxxy]

Honestly I think you handled it right. I have only ever sold a handful of plants and I would feel awful if I sent someone a plant with thrips! Not to mention with all my customer service experience at a business that only sold shipped products I can tell you that all the carriers are hard on them. And many many facilities aren’t even people handling them they are big slide type things sorting the packages. It’s always better to over protect the plant than under and there Is no reason for it to not at least be wrapped in paper. So many sellers take pride in how the package a plant AND in how it looks upon opening. So when I saw how vulnerable it was when you pulled it out I gasped!