How to Package and Ship Live Plants Through the Mail | With Unboxing

Go to the website: propagateplant...
I get asked all the time how I package and ship live plants through the mail and in this video, I'm going to reveal all of my secrets!
I came up with a great method for packaging live plants that ensures they will arrive at their location in the same condition they left.
The best part about this video is that I was able to collaborate with the recipient of the package and he filmed the unboxing!
Check out my Wife's Channel: bit.ly/3hfX8fk
Products I Use Frequently:
Hormodin #3 Rooting Powder: amzn.to/3n5F9tS
Clonex Rooting Gel: amzn.to/37WqhJF
Dip N Grow Rooting Liquid: amzn.to/2WXIU9Q
Corona Shears: amzn.to/2WUS2Mt
Leaf Trimming Shears: amzn.to/38KrVxt
Orchard Lopper: amzn.to/2Jt5pAo
Propagation Tote: amzn.to/34WIdlB
Propagation Dome and Heat Mat Combo: amzn.to/37WqHQf
Indoor Grow Light: amzn.to/2WSxJiT
Grow Tent: amzn.to/37X01Pj
Instagram: / mike.kincaid
Propagation Group: / 346884795717132
Facebook: / kincaidsnursery
Twitter: / kincaidmj
Music: DJ Quads / aka-dj-quads

[@MikeKincaid79]

If you're interested in any of the products I frequently use around the nursery, here are some links. Thanks for supporting the channel and happy gardening! Hormodin #3 Rooting Powder: amzn.to/3n5F9tS Clonex Rooting Gel: amzn.to/37WqhJF Dip N Grow Rooting Liquid: amzn.to/2WXIU9Q Corona Shears: amzn.to/2WUS2Mt Leaf Trimming Shears: amzn.to/38KrVxt Orchard Lopper: amzn.to/2Jt5pAo Propagation Tote: amzn.to/34WIdlB Propagation Dome and Heat Mat Combo: amzn.to/37WqHQf Indoor Grow Light: amzn.to/2WSxJiT Grow Tent: amzn.to/37X01Pj Heavy Duty Heat Mat: amzn.to/3hyTAoV

[@samanthagonzales255]

This is the absolute best video on how to ship plants! You can feel the love and passion through the video! Thanks for this video Mike.

[@MikeKincaid79]

So glad you enjoyed it, Samantha!

[@vinceglaviano9771]

With your enthusiasm, I have somehow gone from being anxious about shipping my plants crosscountry to feeling pumped and excited. Thank you so much!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome, Vince! Good luck and have fun with it.

[@sistermissionary1]

Thanks sooo much! This was awesome! I mailed my sister rooted cuttings of rosemary, a variegated mariesii hydrangea, and canna lilies using your method! Everything arrived beautifully. Thanks!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome! It makes my heart swell with pride to hear that. Thanks so much for sharing that with me and I'm glad it worked out well.

[@Epiphalactic]

I also always wrap mine in kraft paper after as well. Adds extra insulation and protection.

[@dapoet200]

I am so grateful for your channel and your love for plants mmwwaa!!!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, DeLora!

[@junovhs4646]

i loved watching the guy opening it, that was so satisfying

[@MikeKincaid79]

Haha, wasn't it!

[@CosmicDeath]

Heck yeah!! Thank you for sharing this video - I absolutely love how much thought you put into your packaging and care for your customers' experiences. I'm moving across the country soon, and while I'll likely be gifting some of the houseplants I've enjoyed here for years, but the few plants I'd really like to keep are much more likely to arrive intact now that I've watched your video. Yay!! Thank you so, so much!

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it. Have a safe trip and enjoy your new home.

[@jacquelyn515]

GREAT Job Mike 👍.. I think this video of you showing how to pack and ship a plant should go VIRAL for all those sellers that are out there selling plants on line...I must say this is the Best packing method of a plant that I have seen....Wish all of us buyer could receive our plants that we purchase in the condition as this young fig tree did...The gentleman when he started opening the box he had a look of Surprise and was Very impressed with the care you gave his fig tree in shipping..I think he just fell in ❤ with his little fig tree 🌱

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks for the really nice comment! I sure hope it goes viral. I agree, we should all be able to receive the plants we paid for in the condition the picture shows and hopefully this will give some sellers some great ideas!

[@MirageEspejismo]

This is just what I was looking for. Brilliant idea! 👍

[@Foodie_888]

Nice to see people like you care enough to go the extra mile. That is awesome! I pack care packages the same way when using the flat rate boxes at USPS. You are right, the USPS does play football with packages. So does UPS and Fed Ex because my Amazon packages are beyond recognizable sometimes.

[@billtaylor7712]

Fantastic video. This helps tremendously Mike. Your the BOSS man!! God bless! I'm excited in Texas!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad it was helpful, and even more glad you're excited! Have fun Bill!

[@vyoufinder]

At first I was thinking that your cardboard layer was a bit of overkill, but then when I saw him psycho shower attack scene into that box, I realized that it also acts as a nice boxcutter shield. It's probably important to make sure that the receiver is able to unwrap the plant without damaging it in the process reasonably easily.

[@MikeKincaid79]

LOL, yeah, people get excited about opening boxes.

[@lindaduncan3292]

Thanks so much for sharing this video! I've been wanting to send my mom plants from my garden for a while and just didn't know how I could do it and the plants make it. I can't wait to send her a box full of goodies!

[@MikeKincaid79]

So glad to help! I'm sure mom will love the goodies!

[@GrowZoneTamil]

I am a beginner in shipping plants and this video taught all that’s needed to keep going successfully shipping plants 🌱 🪴 .. Thanku so much for your time and effort in sharing this 👍👏👏👏

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brettski74]

I love the method of taping it inside a cylinder to protect the plant. Regarding insulation and cold, two things I was wondering... Are you shipping via ground transportation or air? I'm thinking that the hold of a freight aircraft could get pretty cold at any time of year, so maybe a little insulation isn't a bad idea no matter the season. The other thing I was thinking is that some crumpled paper around the outside of the cylinder would probably do just as well as your bubble wrap did. Most insulation materials get their insulating properties from the air trapped inside them. You already have a pretty good skin around the outside with the box, tape and paper to prevent air movement from outside to inside. Any material that maintains air spaces and reduces the air's ability to move around should do a reasonable job for insulation. Crumple a piece to stuff in top and bottom and then a bunch around the gaps between the cylinder and the box to keep it kinda centred in the box and you're done and save a bit of tape. You can probably find a bunch of options for cheap or free sources of packing paper - depending on your volumes. Advertising flyers, old newspapers, junk mail, etc.

[@assamfoodforestnursery4010]

Thanks for the timely help!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Happy to help!

[@viviangerard459]

nice and healthy looking fig shoots

[@shnuggumz]

Amazing packaging. Thanks so much for sharing this!

[@MikeKincaid79]

You’re welcome!

[@GuiltyPleasure72]

Appreciate it. Not excessive at all! Just the info I need. Ty

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carolynryan243]

Thanks Mike, great video.

[@mrswills03]

I was look for a video like this! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're welcome!

[@rfadz73]

dem! this is creatively genius!! thanks bro!!

[@MikeKincaid79]

No problem!

[@rivergal57]

Wow. You did a really good packaging job. The plant must have never known it was shipped that far. The tapes were place strategically and not just anywhere or everywhere that it might give the buyer a headache in getting the plant out of the box. However, it would have been a great help to label the top and bottom part of the plant. As a buyer, i take extra care in opening the box so i appreciate such label.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks!

[@renebrown995]

Thank you Mike. Jeez I can stop fretting now on sending grapefruit plant to my daughter from Florida to Philly

[@MikeKincaid79]

Oh yeah, you can send it very safely with this method. No need to fret!

[@ShammiSarwanMicky]

Awesome bro

[@Epiphalactic]

Another good idea for frost protection, use one of those cheap mylar space blankets with the bubble wrap. Though, that metallic bubble wrap is basically the same thing. No such thing as excessive. I HATE buying plants and stuff and them coming damaged due to bad packaging. Also, the post office gives out long triangular boxes that can be used. I've cut them down and used them as dividers for multiplant shipping. (In place of the cardboard roll basically)

[@MikeKincaid79]

I agree, it sucks getting plants that are trashed. No such thing as overkill.

[@chloeemanile9969]

We're gonna try shipping plants tomorrow and will be using this. Thanks Sir Mike. Hopefully the plants will arrive in good shape. 🙏🙏🙏

[@MikeKincaid79]

Great! Best of luck, Chloee!

[@chloeemanile9969]

@@MikeKincaid79 An update. The plants arrived safe and sound. Our buyers are happy and even ordered more. Thank you so much Sir Mike. 🥳

[@blancavr1]

A happy customer 😊

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes he was!

[@lynnette245]

I bet, for extra insulation, you could fill the holes on the ends of the paper tube with a thick wadded paper or packing material so it stays warmer. I would add a little extra eight, but a little extra warmth too. And as someone from Michigan, it's practically needed, haha.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sounds like a good idea.

[@DrACCook]

Great video! I just forwarded this video to the nursery that packed my aloe Vera plant that arrived with broken tips TWICE!

[@MikeKincaid79]

LOL, I'm sure they'll love that.

[@MsRESPECT90]

Thanks for sharing your method Mike

[@MikeKincaid79]

No problem, thanks for watching!

[@emmajaneofhawaii7867]

Brilliant!

[@bluejaystudio2029]

this guy is a cardboard genius thumbs up 🙂

[@MikeKincaid79]

LOL, and for my next trick..........

[@aaron6841]

Brilliant thanks Mike 😀

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're welcome, Aaron!

[@aaron6841]

@@MikeKincaid79 hope your hands better Mike your channel is so helpful keep up the good work 😀

[@irmazarate6596]

That is owesome Mike! Gracias.

[@MikeKincaid79]

De nada!

[@aguynameddoug.8001]

Great video. Reminds me of the movie Cast Away...unsure why. Lol

[@amyporter515]

That’s brilliant, and so helpful! Thank you!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad to help, Amy!

[@heatherbealer1140]

This is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you so much ☺️

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DemoCoverUploader]

Mike's got that eye that looks like hes dead inside but he sounds like hes so full of life! Just like plants do lol. It looks still but its alive and well

[@MikeKincaid79]

LOL

[@andielliott2306]

Mike wouldn't be able to talk without his hands. I was like that too when teaching! LOL

[@MikeKincaid79]

Haha, that's very true. Some people hate it and some love it. Can't stop being me, lol.

[@mmansour80]

Freakin brilliant 👏

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks!

[@charleskathymae1413]

So helpful

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RepentofSin]

Have you ever thought about using a 3 inch shipping tube with end caps?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes

[@samialsahhar9621]

Great job, Mike!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thank you!

[@anderikusjuadi]

Nice and safe

[@wandawilson6266]

Well done.😀

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks Wanda

[@MasterKenfucius]

Let me give you a tip from a professional plant packer. Drop the plastic tape you put around the plastic bag to hold it together. Use painter's tape instead. It's A LOT EASIER to open up instead of the surgery one has to do to cut all that plastic packing tape. I could have packaged that just as safely with fewer materials, but hey, it's your thing.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I appreciate the tip, Ken. That's the one thing I didn't like about this was the unwrapping part. It always arrives in good shape but probably drives the person nuts, lol. I'll try it with painter's tape.

[@WoahStyle]

This is awesome. Thank you!

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're very welcome!

[@saro4761]

Thanks Mike that was perfect

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome! Glad to help out.

[@theoverworkedgardener5648]

Very good information here

[@MikeKincaid79]

Will I see a new plant shipping company in the future?

[@theoverworkedgardener5648]

@@MikeKincaid79 lol well that one guy is pretty set on me sending him rosemary over sea for free lol 😂

[@MikeKincaid79]

He keeps coming back huh? Well, persistence pays off.

[@lcb203]

Hi Mike! This is a fantastic video with great tips for shipping live plants. I searched through some comments to see if my question was answered and didn't see it but also couldn't get through all of them! So pardon me if it was asked already. What did this package weigh and how much was it to ship? I would think it was pretty expensive...

[@MikeKincaid79]

The weight was under a pound if I remember correctly. Postage does get expensive and that’s a cost that you want to pass on to the buyer unless you’re charging a larger fee that covers postage. It’s pretty normal and widely understood that the buyer usually pays shipping. Most prices range from 6 to 17 dollars for the things that I ship.

[@ninadearmond4002]

This is genious!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks!

[@ibald7390]

Love that! Thanks Mike

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're welcome, Lesha!

[@petrared100]

Hi Mike, greetings from England! Great, helpful video.Would you send Japanese maples the same way?Love the videos on propagation too!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, absolutely! I would and I have.

[@wildchook745]

Good job, Mike...yay! :)

[@marinamnishek3823]

This is very helpful, thank you!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Great!

[@arisakotekruang5498]

Thank you for the awesome tips. What is the paper called? Thanks!

[@MikeKincaid79]

It's just thick construction paper

[@jd2a287]

Good ingenuity, and love the enthusiasm. I am new to growing. Currently working on some norway spruce, red pines, and ponderosa pines. I plan to sell these, I am curious as to laws and regulations on selling these. Does anyone know if DNR would need to inspect the nursery stock one would sell online or locally.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I think it really depends on where you're shipping from and where you're shipping to.

[@therobloxheretosaveroblox4416]

thank you it gave me idea bec. im also selling plants online, i notice you did not put a hole in the box for the plant to breath

[@MikeKincaid79]

They don't need air holes for the short trip.

[@Gisu29]

Getting ready to ship my first plant and really like your method so am going to give it a try. Would you change anything for shipping in winter? Temps right now are in the low 40's where I am. Thanks!!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Nope, low 40s won't hurt anything.

[@Gisu29]

@@MikeKincaid79 Thanks!

[@beckyg00n]

i can't believe you don't have more upvotes on this shit tbh

[@MikeKincaid79]

Spread the word!

[@user-urg4gf0d5]

I'm using this technique too but with very delicate and tiny plants quite like succulent and cactus. These plants have just 1 or 2 delicate leaves and I have to do anything to ensure that the leaves stay intact and in pristine condition. Do you have any recommendations? It would be awesome if you can make another vid about packing delicate plants. Thank you!

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'll put some thought into it.

[@TheJohnGray]

Hey Mike I have a question as someone who doesn’t ship much stuff, how do you price shipping out for plants?

[@MikeKincaid79]

You can go on the usps website, punch in area codes, and it’ll give you the cost for different size packages.

[@MyHUPPA]

The best way! Thanks

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks! It sure works well.

[@jennifermckinney1616]

Where do you get you boxes and paper from? What size box?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I use all kinds of boxes that I scavenge from different sources. You can find boxes online for relatively cheap too. The size depends on the plant. The paper comes from a local feed store and I explain it in the video.

[@CRYSTALFALLZ]

What about the lack of sun? I’m worried the plant won’t make it.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Plants are shipped all the time. It’s a very normal thing for online nurseries to do. The plants are fine for a few days in darkness. I actually had a plant that I ordered get lost in the mail for weeks and it came out just fine.

[@missmaam792]

Impressive!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks

[@JocelynnRodrigues]

Love this thank-you - so much plant love. Also I love fig trees. How long do you think a plant baby can survive without light? I am going to be trying to pack a larger floor plant to ship across the country with my moving folks and it will likely be in the box for a week or so.... I think it will be okay - I imagine it won't be so happy about that but I don't think it will die ? Thoughts? It's a snake plant.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I don't think it will be a problem at all. I had a plant shipped to me a couple years ago and it got lost in the mail. It was stuck at the post office for 2 weeks in a box and came out just fine.

[@zoom2suraj]

I Love ❤️ it

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad it helped!

[@rencewelltube]

I could not have asked for better instruction

[@MikeKincaid79]

Great! Glad it was helpful.

[@BlkJackStalks]

Jeff in Connecticut is ripped

[@MikeKincaid79]

I think you're right, LOL

[@BlkJackStalks]

@@MikeKincaid79 😄that was beautiful and insightful bro good looking on that

[@ripe_avocados]

Is that a special type of bubble wrap?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Nope

[@JannatJannat56]

Where to buy those long cardboard boxes?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I just had this one lying around. You can buy shipping boxes online.

[@maxschilling3755]

What type of cardboard/paper are you using? Is that standard construction paper?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I explain it in the video.

[@maxschilling3755]

@@MikeKincaid79 Thanks for the answer! I was hoping you knew what to google to buy it -- I'm in a city and there are no farms here. I'll look around the internet, though! Can you think of an alternative if I cant find this palette stuff specifically?

[@susanharrison3967]

Great video, Sue uk

[@mysecretbox450]

Ossum......great idea... .

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@mkQref242]

Is it possible to package leyland cypress seedlings for 3 months shipping?

[@MikeKincaid79]

3 months is a long time for a plant to be in the dark without water. I’d be inclined to say it’s a bad idea but ideas like this are how innovation happens.

[@charmedone711]

Hello Mike, thank you for the video. I need to mail my mother's plant via usps since she is moving from state to state. What type of soil is good for pothos ivy plant? Should I repot it before I ship it? Thank you in advance and stay safe and healthy. God Bless! Sincerely, Madison

[@MikeKincaid79]

Don't repot it prior to shipping or you'll pay more for shipping. Pothos will survive in just about anything so I'd just package it up and ship it.

[@anithat8972]

Great video.. Love it

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, Samantha. I love that you love it!

[@jahpickney2640]

How old is that plant? And did you propagate it from cutting?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, I propagated it from cutting and it was about 3 months old when I shipped it.

[@jahpickney2640]

@@MikeKincaid79 thanks for the answer

[@puppy172]

I really hope my snakeplant baby makes it all the way from Thailand after 2-3 estimated weeks of freezing cold ocean travel.😭

[@MikeKincaid79]

Have faith. Those plants are tougher than you might think.

[@MikeKincaid79]

By the way, I had a fig get lost in the mail for 19 days once and it was just fine.

[@twomillersthree4802]

Thank you for the video! How can I find out if the plant I’m shipping is legal per USDA? Is there a list of prohibited plants? I’m just thinking of shipping houseplants and succulents for now..thanks again!

[@MikeKincaid79]

You'll have to do some research on this. Every state has it's own laws. California has the strictest laws and most plants aren't allowed in without proper paperwork.

[@bowler8]

How much are your fig cuttings?

[@MikeKincaid79]

It changes as price changes but I just look at current prices on Figbid and see what they're going for. Also depends on variety.

[@vinessac]

Question, do you recommend watering moisture loving plants before shipping? I would be afraid of mold developing in the soil due to a damp dark package environment in warmer months, but I also wouldn’t want them to be dehydrated if stuck in shipping. What do you recommend?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I had the same questions in the beginning. They aren't in the box long enough to be a problem. Also, I like to lightly dampen them but not really water them heavy. The plastic bag seals in moisture and gives the plant what it needs for a week or so. The plant isn't losing much moisture through leaves cause it's in a dark and cool environment for a few days. Also, the stems of the plant hold a lot of moisture to buffer any loss. Remember too, the more water you add, the heavier the box is, which adds to shipping, and it's just not necessary. So the answer is, light watering.

[@vinessac]

@@MikeKincaid79 awesome, thank you!

[@mewhy4018]

idea...write "live plant" on outside of box and "this end up" on outside and inside write on inner wrap "this end up" ...ttfn

[@jennyku4805]

Hi , do you have any pandan plants for sell ? I have been looking for those plants for a long time.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Not familiar with them. I'll have to look that one up.

[@jennyku4805]

Pandan plants or Plandanus Amarylifolius/ screw pine , if you can get me one of those plants, that’ll be awesome. Thanks

[@thirhajsj2305]

Good job Mike! Can you help how to ship chocolate bouquet

[@MikeKincaid79]

Never tried that one. Would it melt before it arrived?

[@tarekharb8978]

Awesome video Mike! Will you be selling more black madeira kk? If so when and where? Thanks Mike!

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'll definitely be selling more. Don't know when and where yet, nothing ready at this time.

[@Jameson1979]

Mike Kincaid, I'm also interested in the M. I'm. Please let us know when it's available. Thanks.

[@hlina175]

Mike Kincaid I would love to get on a waiting list too!

[@AH-le3py]

Mike i need to buy 3 fig plants. What is the procedure please.Thanks....Hussain

[@MikeKincaid79]

FigBid is a great place to buy figs.

[@AH-le3py]

@@MikeKincaid79 Mike what is figbid? I have no clue is it website. Dr. Hussain

[@shroom6426]

how do i buy plants from u

[@Habitation2023]

Do you ship the 3 and 5 gallons the same way or do you do something different?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I don't ship plants that big but if I did I'd either do something similar or ship as bare root in the winter.

[@cameliacristofaro1366]

Bravo 👏👏Mike!!Xoxo

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks Camelia and a big hug for ya!

[@lianetlia5260]

Beautiful method.question,do u sale on amazon to?😊

[@MikeKincaid79]

I don't at this time but you never know what the future holds.

[@anamariaaguilar2306]

Lindo vídeo me podrían enviar una planta a la Argentina?

[@savannahmckee5818]

What is the name of that type of packing paper?

[@MikeKincaid79]

There's no specific name. I explain where I get it from in the video.

[@viviangerard459]

wow you do it up right

[@suray1985]

I live in California.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Beautiful state

[@suray1985]

Thanks, it is beautiful.

[@lachlanplantandwineco4464]

So much packaging for one tree.. you should try some more bio degradable products

[@aperson1181]

How much does it cost?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Shipping varies based on the distance traveled and size of the box. The packaging is almost nothing. I got everything free except the tape and postage and the insulation really isn't necessary but the customer asked for the insurance.