Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about shipping, plant care, and what to expect when your new plant arrives? You’re in the right place. At Mulliken Nursery, every plant is packed with care so it can arrive as safely and comfortably as possible.

Shipping

When do you ship plants?

We ship live plants on Mondays and Tuesdays only, weather permitting. This helps reduce the amount of time plants spend in transit over the weekend.

Do you ship in extreme weather?

We watch the weather closely before shipping. If temperatures are too hot or too cold, we may hold your plant for a safer shipping window.

How do you pack plants for shipping?

Every plant is packed carefully by hand. We wrap plants in brown paper, add soft polyfill between leaves when needed, and line the box with foam packing for extra comfort during shipping. Our goal is to help each plant arrive safely and with as little stress as possible.

Plant Arrival & Acclimation

What should I do when my plant arrives?

Unpack your plant right away, check the soil moisture, and place it in bright indirect light while it adjusts. We recommend keeping new plants separate from your collection for a short quarantine period.

Should I repot my plant right away?

We do not recommend repotting your plant right away unless there is a serious issue, such as root rot or damaged soil. Shipping can be stressful, and your plant needs time to adjust to its new home.

Let your plant acclimate for 1–2 weeks in its new environment before repotting. During that time, keep it in bright indirect light, check the soil before watering, and avoid fertilizing until it has settled in.

Do plants get stressed during shipping?

Yes, some shipping stress is normal. A plant may arrive with minor yellowing, bent leaves, temporary drooping, or a little soil movement. Most plants perk back up after they are unpacked, watered if needed, and given time to settle.

Photos & Plant Expectations

Will my plant look exactly like the photo?

Plant size, color, and variegation can vary slightly because each plant is living and unique. We do our best to represent each plant honestly.

Are product photos exact or representative?

Some listings may show the exact plant for sale, while others may show a representative example of the plant you will receive. If a listing is for an exact plant, we will state that clearly in the description.

Do you use AI photos?

Some decorative or educational images on our website may be AI-assisted or styled graphics. Product photos are used to show the plant being sold or a representative example, and listings will note when a plant is exact or representative.

Plant Care

How much light should my new plant get?

Most tropical houseplants do best in bright, indirect light. Avoid placing a newly shipped plant in harsh direct sun right away, especially while it is adjusting to your home.

Should I water my plant as soon as it arrives?

Check the soil first. If the soil feels dry, water gently. If the soil is still damp, wait a few days and check again. Overwatering right after shipping can cause more stress than letting the plant settle.

Should I fertilize right away?

We recommend waiting until your plant has acclimated before fertilizing. Give it time to settle into its new environment first.

Questions About Your Order

What if there is a problem with my plant?

Please contact us as soon as possible after delivery if there is a concern with your plant. Photos are very helpful so we can understand what happened and help you as quickly as possible.

Can I order during bad weather?

Yes, but shipping may be delayed if the weather is unsafe. We would rather hold a plant for a better shipping window than send it during conditions that could harm it.

Do you offer local pickup or in-person shopping?

Availability may vary. If you are local and have questions about pickup or in-person options, please contact us before placing your order.

Still have questions?

We’re happy to help. Contact Mulliken Nursery before ordering if you have questions about a specific plant, shipping timing, or plant care.