Worried about ordering plants during cold weather? Discover our proven winter shipping process that keeps your new greenery safe, warm, and thriving—even in freezing temperatures.
Can You Ship Plants in Winter? Absolutely.
Winter doesn't mean you have to wait for spring to welcome new greenery into your home. At All About Planties, we've perfected our cold-weather shipping process to ensure every plant—from our best-selling favorites to delicate flowering varieties—arrives safe, warm, and ready to thrive, even when temperatures drop below freezing.
Our 5-Step Winter Protection System
1. Temperature Monitoring & Strategic Timing
We carefully monitor weather patterns along your delivery route using real-time tracking systems. If extreme cold (below 40°F) is forecasted, we'll hold your shipment until conditions improve or reach out with alternative delivery options. Your plant's safety always comes first—whether you're ordering a subscription box or a single specimen.
2. Premium Insulated Packaging
Every winter shipment with our Winter Protection Pack includes commercial-grade insulation materials that create a protective microclimate against the cold. We use specially designed corrugated boxes with 1-inch insulated liners that maintain stable temperatures during transit. This packaging meets ISTA standards for temperature-sensitive shipments.
3. Heat Packs When Needed
For shipments traveling through freezing temperatures (below 50°F), our Winter Protection Pack includes activated +72-hour heat packs that provide gentle, consistent warmth throughout transit. These are strategically placed to warm the air around your plant without direct contact, preventing both cold damage and heat stress.
4. Expedited Transit Time
We prioritize 2-3 day expedited shipping methods during winter months (November through March) to minimize your plant's time in transit. Most orders ship within 1-2 business days and arrive within 2-4 days of leaving our facility. We avoid weekend deliveries when possible to prevent packages from sitting in cold warehouses.
5. Detailed Care Instructions Included
Every package includes detailed unboxing and acclimation instructions specific to winter shipping. Cold-stressed plants need special attention, and we'll guide you through every step to ensure successful establishment in your home.
What to Do When Your Winter Plant Arrives
Unbox promptly: Open your package as soon as it arrives, even if the plant looks cold-stressed. Don't leave it outside or in a cold garage.
Let it acclimate gradually: Place your plant in a room-temperature space (65-75°F) away from direct heat sources. Avoid placing it near radiators, heating vents, or fireplaces for the first 24 hours.
Wait to water: Give your plant 24-48 hours to adjust to room temperature before watering. Cold-stressed plants are more susceptible to root rot if watered immediately.
Inspect for damage: Check leaves and stems for any signs of cold damage (browning, mushiness, or translucent spots). Document with photos if needed.
Watch for recovery: Some leaf droop or minor discoloration is normal after winter shipping. Most plants bounce back within 5-7 days with proper care. For species-specific guidance, check our plant care guides.
Which Plants Ship Best in Winter?
While we can safely ship most plants year-round with our Winter Protection Pack, some varieties are particularly cold-hardy and resilient during winter transit:
- Snake Plants - Extremely tolerant of temperature fluctuations
- Pothos varieties - Hardy and quick to recover (see our Golden Pothos care guide)
- Spider Plants - Resilient and forgiving (shop our collection)
- ZZ Plants - Thick leaves resist cold damage
- Parlor Palms - Surprisingly cold-tolerant (care guide here)
Our subscription boxes are curated seasonally to include winter-appropriate varieties.
Understanding Cold Damage vs. Shipping Stress
It's important to distinguish between temporary shipping stress and actual cold damage:
Normal shipping stress (recoverable): Slight leaf droop, minor yellowing of 1-2 lower leaves, temporary wilting
Cold damage (may not recover): Mushy or translucent leaves, blackened stems, widespread leaf drop within 24 hours, foul odor from roots
According to the Purdue Extension Service, most tropical houseplants experience cellular damage below 50°F, which is why our insulation and heat pack system is critical.
Winter Protection Pack: Your Cold-Weather Guarantee
Important: To ensure your plants arrive safely during cold weather and to qualify for our weather-related guarantee, you must add our Winter Protection Pack to your order.
The Winter Protection Pack includes:
- Premium insulated box liner (1-inch thick)
- 72-hour heat packs (when temperatures are below 50°F)
- Extra protective wrapping materials
- Weather-damage guarantee coverage
Our Guarantee: If you've purchased the Winter Protection Pack and your plant arrives damaged due to cold stress, contact us within 30 days with photos of the plant and packaging, and we'll make it right with a replacement or full refund.
Please note: Orders shipped during winter months (November-March) without the Winter Protection Pack are not covered by our weather-damage guarantee. We strongly recommend adding this protection when temperatures in your area or along the shipping route are below 50°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you ship plants in January and February?
Yes! We ship year-round, including the coldest months. We strongly recommend adding our Winter Protection Pack for all orders during these peak winter months.
Is the Winter Protection Pack required?
While not required, it's highly recommended for any order when temperatures are below 50°F in your area or along the shipping route. It's the only way to qualify for our weather-damage guarantee.
Will my plant survive if it's cold when it arrives?
If the plant feels cool to the touch but isn't frozen solid, it will likely recover fully within a week. Follow our acclimation instructions carefully. Plants shipped with the Winter Protection Pack have significantly better survival rates.
Can I request a specific delivery date to avoid cold weather?
Absolutely. Contact us before ordering, and we'll work with you to schedule delivery during a warmer period.
How much does the Winter Protection Pack cost?
Visit our Winter Protection Pack product page for current pricing. We consider it essential insurance for your plant investment during cold months.
Ready to Grow Your Plant Family This Winter?
Don't let cold weather stop you from adding greenery to your space. Browse our new arrivals or explore our curated best sellers—and don't forget to add the Winter Protection Pack to ensure safe delivery.
Questions about winter shipping? Reach out to our team—we're here to help you grow your plant family year-round.
