Acclimation Guide

Immediate Care Requirements:

  • High Humidity: Upon receiving your plant, it's crucial to place it in a high humidity environment immediately. Imported plants are sensitive to low humidity and may show signs of decline if not acclimated properly. It's normal for these plants to require minor treatments for rot or damage.

Detailed Inspection and Preparation:

  1. Root Inspection:
    • Examine the roots for any softness. Trim the damaged roots back to where they are firm and white.
  2. Stem Care:
    • Check the stem for any brown or soft spots. Cut these areas back slightly past the damage to healthy, firm tissue. Allow the cut to fully callus before potting, keeping the plant sideways in a high humidity setting and covering the roots with sphagnum moss.
  3. Foliage Assessment:
    • Remove any yellowing or browning leaves, unless the plant has very few left.

Initial Potting Steps:

  • Pre-Potting Soak: Soak the plant in a water and fungicide solution for 24 hours in a high humidity, moderately lit environment. This step is critical before potting to prevent fungal issues.
  • Potting: Do not pot directly into soil. Use an acclimation medium like a 50/50 mix of high-quality sphagnum moss and perlite. Other suitable media include flavum stratum, LECA, pumice, tree fern, and pon.

Post-Potting Care:

  • Monitor Root Growth: Keep an eye on the development of a healthy root system. Once established, repot the plant into your chosen growing medium.
  • Gradual Transition: Slowly acclimate your plant to its final growing conditions, starting in high humidity and moderate light, then gradually increasing to brighter light.

Quick Tips for Success:

  • Maintain Humidity: Use clear plastic bags or Tupperware containers to create a micro-environment of high humidity if your ambient conditions are not ideal.
  • Moisture Management: Ensure the medium never dries out completely. A base layer of perlite and a tray with a small amount of water can help maintain necessary humidity levels.
  • Lighting: Start with moderate light and increase to brighter light gradually, observing the plant’s response, especially new growth.
  • Root Monitoring: Use clear pots to check root progress without disturbing the plant.
  • Quality of Materials: If using sphagnum moss, opt for high-quality options like Besgrow New Zealand Premium Sphagnum Moss for the best results.

By following these steps, your imported plants will thrive and adapt smoothly to their new environment.

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