How to Package and Ship Hoya Clippings

Lucky for you, Hoya plants tend to be pretty tough and don’t usually need special accommodations for shipping them. Here are a few tips on packaging and shipping Hoya clipping to make sure they travel safely!

Preparation

Unrooted Clippings:

If you're shipping a new clipping that has not yet rooted, make sure that the mother plant was well hydrated before taking your clipping. Watering your plant 1-2 days before taking a cutting will ensure the cutting will have a sufficient amount of moisture to last the journey. On top of this, wrap the cutting’s stem in a moist paper towel, avoid the leaves.

You can also wrap the plant and moist paper towel in plastic if the journey will be more than a couple of days. Take cation using this method because in hot weather this can cook the Hoya, otherwise, it’s a great way to hold in moisture. Use your best judgment on whether this is necessary for you and your plant. Avoid wrapping your plant in tin foil (it gets too hot).

Rooted Clippings:

If your cutting is already growing roots they must be kept wet. Keep the cutting in water until ready to be shipped. Prepare in the same way you would for an unrooted clipping.

Packing

Gently wad up a paper product and tuck it around the leaves. Newspaper, brown paper bag, or scrap paper all work fine. Tissue paper is a personal favorite. Make sure that leaves are facing up and that nothing will bend incurably if the box is damaged. To be certain that the plant is secure, gently shake the box, nothing should rattle or move on the inside.

If the cutting is small enough, then it is possible to send the cutting through the mail. Use a bubble paper envelope with the clipping & damp paper towel placed between two pieces of cardboard to ensure the cutting won’t bend. This is a cheaper alternative to mailing in a box.

Weather

Avoid extreme weather. Freezing temperatures or over 85 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees celsius) are too extreme for shipping a Hoya and might put it in too much distress.

I always write a disclaimer on the box that says “no direct sunlight” or “live plants.” Of course, I have no way of knowing if this makes a difference but it’s worth a shot!

Shipping

Try to mail on Monday or Tuesday. This lowers the risk of the clipping getting stuck somewhere over the weekend before being delivered. Also, try to select the quickest shipping method as possible (within reason of course).

This journal article is a great resource if you are interested in our Hoya Swap. Aren’t familiar? Click here to learn more!