A Guide to Successfully Acclimating Imported Plants: Capitalizing on the Aroid Boom

The aroid market is a vibrant landscape, with coveted Thai imports like variegated Philodendron gloriosum and billietiae; Anthurium renaissance; and, of course, the ever popular Monstera borsigiana albo commanding premium prices. Resellers and nurseries can leverage this trend by importing aroids directly from Thailand at more affordable prices than from domestic wholesales. However, ensuring plants transition smoothly from Thai greenhouses to your facility requires proper acclimation practices. This guide outlines key strategies to maximize the health of your aroid imports.

Understanding the Plant Import Journey

• Light Deprivation: Spending multiple days in a box during international shipping limits light exposure, disrupting their natural growth cycle.

• Temperature Fluctuations: Cargo holds experience temperature swings, potentially impacting plant health.

• Low Humidity Conditions: Low humidity can lead to wilting and root stress.

• Physical Damage: Bumps and jostling during shipping may cause minor leaf tears or broken stems.

Optimizing Your Plant Import Experience with TerraFlora Global

At TerraFlora Global, we understand the importance of meticulous handling throughout the entire import process. Here's how we ensure your rare aroids and other exotic plants arrive in optimal condition, minimizing loss and maximizing your return on investment:

• Bare-Root Expertise: We ship your plants bare-root, with their roots carefully wrapped in minimally damp sphagnum moss. This method minimizes weight and shipping costs while preserving root health. Sphagnum moss is a natural and highly effective moisture retention material, preventing dehydration during transport.

• Pre-Shipment Inspection: Each plant undergoes a rigorous inspection before leaving our Thailand facility. We treat for potential pests and diseases to prevent issues upon arrival at your nursery or resale location.

Acclimating Newly Imported Plants: The Key to Success

A well-defined acclimation process is critical for minimizing losses and maximizing the health of your imports. Here are our recommendations upon receiving your shipment:

• Don't Delay Unpacking: Prioritize unpacking your aroids as soon as possible in a well-ventilated, temperature-controlled environment within a temperature range of 72-84°F (22-29°C) to minimize stress.

• Thorough Inspection: Conduct a quick inspection for any visible damage or signs of disease. Segregate any plants with potential issues for further evaluation.

• Pot Immediately: It's vital to pot your plants in your preferred growing medium as soon as possible. Water them thoroughly, ensuring the medium is fully saturated. We recommend using SUPERThrive in the first watering to encourage root development and reduce transplant shock.

• Environmental Control:
  • Light: Avoid subjecting your aroids to sudden bursts of intense light. In an outdoor nursery, opt for a well-lit area with indirect sunlight, ideally underneath a shade cloth. For indoor nurseries, we recommend HyperTough's 5000-lumen shop light. They are affordably priced and ideal for aroids. 
  • Temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature range between 78-86°F (25-30°C) during the entire acclimation period. Strategically placed fans or heating units can create a controlled environment for your bulk imports.
  • Humidity: High humidity (60-80%) is crucial for aroids. Maintaining high humidity levels is essential to prevent moisture loss from the plants during this critical period. This can be achieved in several ways, and we are happy to provide advice on some of the best and economical options.

• Quarantine Measures: If feasible, maintain a dedicated quarantine zone for your imports for one month before integrating them into your main inventory. This helps prevent the spread of potential pests or diseases that may have gone undetected during the pre-shipment inspection.

• Patience is Key: Acclimation can take several weeks to a month for imports. Resist the urge to over fertilize or repot during this crucial period. Focus on providing the right environment and monitor plant health closely. New growth will emerge as the plants adjust to their new surroundings.

Reach Out to Us

These tips are meant to serve as general guidelines to ensure your imported plants quickly acclimate to your growing conditions and thrive in your nursery. But they are just that, general guidelines. We recognize that your specific needs may vary, which is why we are happy to provide personalized advice as needed. If you have questions about the best way to acclimate your imported plants, or experience any issues during or after the acclimation period, reach out to us as soon as possible. We are happy to help.