🌿 Packing and Receiving Plants

Each plant is carefully packed to arrive at your home in the best possible condition, regardless of the season

📦 How We Pack Plants

☀️ Warm Season

During the warm season, we use a minimalist packing method because plants need to breathe and temperatures inside the box can become high.

  • The plants are secured in their pots and fastened inside the box
  • Kraft paper protection to prevent leaf damage, while flowers are protected with wood wool or recycled corrugated cardboard
  • Adequate ventilation for air circulation

❄️ Cold Season

During the cold season, we use a different procedure, using thermal films. Although we pack everything very carefully, we recommend adding Heat Packs as an active heat source to maintain an optimal temperature.

Protective layers:

  • Multiple layers of paper - absorb moisture resulting from temperature differences
  • Insulating film - maintains the temperature inside the box
  • Thick CO5 or CO3 cardboard boxes - maximum strength and additional insulation thanks to the multilayer boxes
  • Filling and sealing materials

🔥 Heat Pack - Extra Protection

Heat Packs can be ordered separately as extra protection and an active heat source for your plants.

  • Provide constant heat for up to 110 hours
  • Ideal as an active heat source during the cold season (they emit heat)
  • Available to order online on the website together with the plants - or they can be added later by editing the order. 

Heat Pack XXL - 110 Hours

Heat Pack XL - 72 Hours

All packing materials (paper, thermal film, thick boxes, adhesive tape) are high quality and are currently provided free of charge - we cover the costs, except for Heat Packs. 

♻️ Recycled and recyclable packaging

  • Recycled cardboard boxes, selected according to the contents so we do not transport empty space.
  • Kraft paper for wrapping plants. Cardboard and paper are recyclable and biodegradable.
  • Reused cardboard: we transform the cardboard left over in the greenhouse, using our own equipment, into protective corrugated cardboard for parcels. We reuse boxes and materials received from suppliers whenever possible.
  • Minimal plastic: used only for the adhesive tape and, in winter, the insulating film, both made from recycled plastic.
  • Heat packs produce heat through a natural reaction involving iron powder.

After unpacking: put the box and kraft paper in the paper and cardboard recycling collection (or, torn into small pieces, in compost), the tape and film with plastics, and the used heat pack with household waste. You can keep the nursery pot for cuttings or your next planting.

Mai multe despre cum lucram: Sustenabilitate si economie circulara.

More about how we work: Sustainability and the circular economy.

🌤️ Monitoring Weather Conditions

🛡️

The Safety of Your Plants Is Our Priority

During the cold season, we constantly monitor weather forecasts, weather developments, and package routes, especially for international deliveries, also using data and experience from previous years. 

⚠️ Important to know: Weather forecasts are only estimates, and actual conditions may vary significantly - the weather is often unpredictable. Over time, we have noticed significant variations even between apps that provide weather forecasts.

🤝 Your Cooperation Is Essential

As a passionate plant enthusiast or collector, we also ask you to carefully check the forecast for your area, especially the temperatures.

  • 📍 If you know that a period of extreme temperatures is approaching:
  • It is recommended that you DO NOT place an order during that period

Wait for a period with milder temperatures to ensure the safety of the plants

  • 📦 If you already have an active order and the weather deteriorates/changes unexpectedly:
  • Contact us as soon as possible at comenzi@secretgarden.ro
  • We will be able to safely postpone shipment

We prefer to wait a few days rather than risk the health of your plants

💚 Together, we can ensure the best transport conditions for your plants!

📬 Receiving Plants During the Cold Season

⚠️ Important: Plants tolerate low temperatures very well for short periods, but thermal shock caused by sudden temperature changes must be avoided. Carefully follow the steps below.

I

Initial Storage (2 hours)

After receiving the package, store it sealed in the coolest room in the house (ideal temperature 15-18°C) for approximately 2 hours. Keep it away from any heat source (radiators, stove, air conditioning).

Partial Unsealing (1 hour)

After the 2 hours, unseal the package without unpacking the plants. Leave it in this state for approximately one more hour. This step allows the air to circulate gradually, without thermal shock.

III

Unpacking and Acclimatization (24 hours)

Unpack the plants and leave them in the cool room for at least a few hours. Avoid any heat source for at least 24 hours.

The next day, the plants can be moved into normally heated rooms. Water them in the morning to allow the water to evaporate throughout the day.

💡 Important Recommendations

🌱 Repotting

Avoid repotting the plants during the first few weeks after arrival. Let them acclimatize to their new environment before stressing them with a change of pot.

🌡️ Thermal Shock

The greatest danger to plants after transport during the cold season is thermal shock - a sudden change in temperature. Therefore, it is essential to follow the gradual acclimatization steps.

💧 Proper Watering

Water the plants in the morning, not in the evening. This allows excess water to evaporate and be metabolized by the plant throughout the day, reducing the risk of root rot.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How do I order Heat Packs?

Heat Packs can be added as an extra option in the cart at checkout. We recommend them for orders placed during winter, especially if the outdoor temperature is below 0°C.

How long does delivery take?

In Romania, courier delivery usually takes 24-48 hours (business days) from shipping, while order preparation usually takes 1-3 business days. For international shipments, the duration varies depending on the destination.

What should I do if the plant looks bad upon arrival?

Contact us within 24 hours of receiving your order at sesizari@secretgarden.ro with relevant photos, explaining the issue you noticed in detail. Complaints procedure.

If there are only minor/normal issues, such as dehydration (plants cannot be watered before shipping), follow the acclimatization steps and hydrate the plant/plants - they usually recover within 24-48 hours. If the problem persists, write to us and we will provide the necessary support. 

Do you deliver in very low temperatures?

Yes, shipping is possible even in below-zero temperatures, provided that additional protection (Heat Pack) is added and the receiving steps are followed. If temperatures are extreme, we recommend postponing the order or using a large number of Heat Packs for maximum protection.

Why do I need to wait 2-3 hours before unpacking?

This gradual acclimatization process prevents thermal shock. Plants that have been exposed to low temperatures must not be suddenly exposed to heat - this phenomenon is called thermal shock, can damage them at the cellular level, and may cause leaf drop or even plant loss.

💚 We Are Here for You

Do you have questions about your order or caring for your plants after receiving them? Check the product page or blog for instructions. You can also contact us by email to request advice. 

Email: comenzi@secretgarden.ro