Getting started
Acclimating your orchid after international shipping
Your orchid has just traveled across an ocean. Whether it took 4 days or 10, the journey is stressful — sealed boxes, temperature shifts, and no light for the duration. The good news: orchids are remarkably resilient, and a careful first week makes all the difference.
Section 1: The first hour
Open the box in a calm, indirect-light room — not direct sun. Take a moment to inspect:
- Roots: They should be firm and pale green or silvery-white. Some root tip drying is normal.
- Leaves: Slight wilting is common after long transit. They will recover.
- Spike or buds (if any): These may have shifted during shipping. Don't be alarmed if a bud or two drops within the first week — this is the plant prioritizing survival over flowering.
Take photos for your records — both for your own reference and in case you need to use our 48-hour live-arrival guarantee.
Section 2: The first 24 hours
Resist the urge to repot immediately. Instead:
- Hydrate gently. Place the pot in a shallow tray of room-temperature water for 15 minutes, then remove. Do not soak overnight.
- Light: Bright, indirect. Never direct sun for the first week.
- Temperature: Match what we ship in — most Paphiopedilums prefer 18–28°C. Avoid drafts from heaters or air conditioning.
- Humidity: 50–70% is ideal. A pebble tray or nearby humidifier helps in dry climates.
Section 3: The first week
- Keep the plant in its shipping pot for at least 7–10 days. Repotting now adds stress on top of stress.
- Water lightly only when the top inch of media feels dry to the touch.
- Don't fertilize. Let the roots re-establish first.
- Watch the leaves: a slight yellowing of the lowest leaf is often natural. New growth from the center is the sign of a happy plant.
Section 4: Repotting (after 2-3 weeks)
Once the plant has stabilized — firm leaves, no further bud drop, ideally a sign of new root activity — you can repot if needed.
We recommend:
- Media: A bark-based mix for Paphiopedilum (medium grade) or seedling bark for younger plants. We use a fir bark + perlite + charcoal blend.
- Pot: Slightly larger than the root mass — Paphiopedilums prefer to be a bit snug.
- Method: Soak old media in water to release the roots gently. Trim only black, mushy roots. Repot, water lightly, and place back in indirect light.
Closing CTA:
Questions? We answer every email personally — reach out at info@doiorchid.com with your order number, and we'll help.
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