Thinking about selling, trading or gifting out a cactus cutting? Then this blog is for you! In it, we will be covering the best practices surrounding properly preparing, packaging and shipping your cactus cutting to ensure it arrives in tip top shape. Inspiration for this topic came from our current cactus pup giveaway; the winner of which will be announced today and who will be receiving their cactus (in photo) in the mail very soon!
Did you know? Depending on rarity and clone, some cactus cuttings can sell for over $1000 per foot!
STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL SHIPPING
Step 1: Choose the Right Time
Timing is crucial when shipping cuttings. It is best to ship during the spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. If you can, avoid shipping during extreme weather conditions, such as freezing temperatures or scorching heat, as this can damage the cutting while in transit. Never remove your cactus cutting from the mother plant when rain is expected in the next two weeks as the mother will be at risk of rotting.
Step 2: Prepare the Cutting
You never want to ship a freshly cut cactus as it could rot in transit due to the moisture at the cut site. A lot of people will treat the exposed cut site with sulfur powder (helps dry) or Hormodin 3 (rooting hormone) at this point but it is not strictly necessary.
Allow the cutting to dry and callus over for a few days in the shade or in front of a fan and out of direct sunlight. A good rule of thumb is for every inch of cutting allow it to dry for 1-2 days. You'll know it's ready when the cut site is hard to the touch and not squishy.
Step 3: Choose the Right Packaging
Choosing the right packaging is crucial to protect the cactus cutting during transit. Use a sturdy cardboard box that is slightly larger than the cutting to allow for cushioning materials. Line the box with balled up newspaper or packing peanuts to provide extra protection. Gently squeeze the box and see if any spines poke through. If they do then you will need a bigger box and more packing material to keep it from happening.
Step 4: Secure the Cutting
Place the wrapped cutting in the box and fill any empty spaces with packing materials like crushed newspaper to prevent shifting. Do a shake test on the packaged up cutting: you should not hear any movement or sliding within the box.
Step 5: Choose the Right Shipping Method
It is recommended that you do not attempt international export of cuttings without the proper permits as there is a high probability that it will be seized at customs. When choosing shipping methods consider transit times and if there are any restrictions for the service level or carrier. Priority shipping can minimize the time the cutting spends in transit which will help to prevent potential etiolation or other impacts to your cutting. You wouldn't want your cutting to end up like the infamous 'Ogun' clone that spent a year lost in transit-although it worked out in the end for it. (We'll post a blog just about famous clones soon!)
Step 6: Communicate with the Recipient
Once the cactus cutting is shipped, communicate with the recipient to let them know it is on its way. Provide them with the tracking number so they can monitor the progress of the shipment.
And there you have it! By following these steps, you can properly prepare, package, and ship a cactus cutting with confidence. Remember to always prioritize the safety and well-being of the plant during transit. Happy shipping!
Tune in next week where we will cover what to do if you are a recipient of a cactus cutting that was shipped through the mail.