FIRST STEPS
Open the box your order shipped in and inspect the overall look of the package. You'll want to look for any damages to the box. Next, review your order with the receipt you receive in the box. Make sure it has the correct name and address along with plant selection.
If everything looks good, move onto the brown paper bags. These bags contain your plants. Be sure to open them over a counter or area that can be cleaned easily as some dirt may have fallen off the plants during shipping.
After unbagging all your plants, check to make sure your plants match your order and see if there is any damage to the plants. If there is damage or your plants do not match your order, please reach out to us at noelle@dutchtouchgrowers.com for further assistance.
SUCCULENTS
Check which variation you purchased for further information.
CUTTINGS
- Succulent cuttings are taken the same day as they are shipped to ensure the plant does not dry out through shipping. Once you unbag your cuttings, you do not need to plant them right away. Because shipping takes between 3-5 business days, it gives the cuttings time to start the callousing process at the ends of the stem. You want your cuttings to have that callous before either planting them straight into soil or putting them into water. Cuttings can remain unrooted for about a week before they need to be planted/watered.
PLUGS
- Plugs are shipped two plants per bag. Make sure to remove them from the bag once you receive your order. We try to send our plants on the drier side because their is a higher chance of plant rot in a dark/unwarm box. Once you receive your plugs, take a good look at them and asses if they need watering. If the leaves are slightly shriveled they will need to be watered. If the leaves are not shriveled and they look full then they do not need watering. Make sure the soil is bone dry before watering the plugs. You may upsize them right away or keep them as a plug for as long as you'd like. Succulents like to stay root bound so they less extra soil the better. If you do chose to upsize your plugs, make sure the container is not much bigger than the plant itself unless you are creating a combination planter.
4" Rooted
- 4" are what we consider "end product". This is because a succulent can stay in a 4" pot for a long time. Once a succulent gets to this size they start to slow down their growing habits. Upon arrival, unbag your 4" succulent and asses if it needs to be watered. Again, if the leaves are shriveled then it will need water. If not, you can wait a few weeks to about a month before it will need watering.
CACTI
Check which variation you purchased for further information.
CUTTINGS
- Cacti cuttings are also taken the same day that they are shipped. The biggest difference with cacti cuttings is that they need to be calloused over more so than a succulent. Cacti do not handle being wet as well as a succulent does, especially cuttings. Wait 3-5 days before planting your cacti cuttings. Once planted, keep the soil as dry as possible and only water when the plant is showing signs of shriveling.
PLUGS
- Plugs are a great option if you are looking to create your own planters or use your own container. Cacti plugs can be upsized into any kind of container as long as the diameter is not more than 25% off the plant. Upon arrival, the plugs do not need to be upsized and can stay as plug form for a up to 6 months.
4" Rooted
- This size cacti is the best option for beginners. Once cacti plants reach this stage and size they start to slow down their growth and do not require as much care. 4" cacti do require some sort of light whether that be natural sunlight or artificial lighting. They do not need a ton of light which gives you options as to where they can be placed. If indoors, check your cactus soil every 3-4 weeks. Once the soil is constantly dry for a few weeks, you may water it thoroughly.
HOUSEPLANTS
Check which variation you purchased for further information.
CUTTINGS
- All houseplant cuttings are taken the same day that they are shipped. Upon arrival, houseplant cuttings may be stuck directly into soil or into water. Make sure not to stick the stem too far into the soil. No more than 1" of the stem should be under soil. Roots should start to occur a few weeks whether they are planted in soil or water. Water changes should occur once every 2-4 weeks if the cuttings are in water. If the cuttings are planted in soil, make sure to water them once every 1-2 weeks until they have a good root system. After you determine the plant has a good root system, water the plant every 2-4 weeks.
In order for cuttings to develop a good root system, they require a good amount of light.
PLUGS
- Houseplant plugs are great for experienced growers. In this stage, houseplants become very picky with soil, watering, lighting, and upsizing. Upon arrival, locate the container or planter you are going to use for this plant. If needed, make sure to get a well-draining soil to ensure water does not pool at the bottom of the container. The container should not be more than 60% of the plants size. Make sure the additional soil in the container is slightly wet before planting and then give it a decent water after you finish planting the plug. Well light areas are best for plugs as high amounts of light helps develop roots.
4" Rooted
- This size houseplant is the best option for beginners. At this stage, houseplants typically stay this size for a long time. They start to slow down their growth and try to completely root into this new container. This size is also great for upsizing into bigger "forever" sized pots. 4" is considerate to be the stage before the "end stage". Upon arrival, remove packaging from shipping and check the dryness of the soil. If it is bone dry, give the plant a good watering. Houseplants like to stay slightly moist and do not want to go dry. You may either keep this plants in the 4" pot arrived in or you can upsize the plant into a different container. Find a decently lit area for your houseplants and enjoy!