How We Pack Orchids with Clean Treatment and Paper Wrapping

A Careful, Multi-Step Process for Safe International Shipping

Shipping orchids internationally requires more than just careful wrapping. Each plant must be clean, healthy, and prepared to travel safely across borders while meeting plant quarantine and import requirements.

At SibOrchid, we follow a multi-step clean treatment and paper-packing process designed to protect the plant, reduce stress, and ensure smooth customs clearance.

Why Clean Treatment Is Essential Before Packing

Before any orchid is packed, it must be completely free from:

Old growing media
Organic debris
Pests or hidden insects
Excess moisture that could cause rot during transit

This is not only for plant health, but also a requirement for:

Phytosanitary inspection
CITES and import permits
Airline and courier regulations

Clean treatment significantly reduces the risk of delays or plant rejection at destination customs.

Step 1: Removing the Orchid from Its Medium

Each orchid is carefully removed from:

Bark
Moss
Charcoal
Mounts (if applicable)

Roots are handled gently to avoid cracking or tearing, especially for species with fine or brittle roots.

Step 2: Root Cleaning and Washing

Roots are rinsed thoroughly with clean water
All media particles are removed by hand
The plant is inspected for insects, eggs, or fungus

For sensitive orchids, cleaning is done gradually to reduce shock.

Step 3: Clean Treatment and Drying

After washing:

Plants are allowed to air-dry naturally
No excess water is trapped between leaves or roots
Moisture control is critical to prevent rot during shipping

Drying time varies depending on orchid type, size, and root thickness.

Step 4: Preparing the Plant for Paper Packing

Once fully dry:

Leaves are positioned to prevent bending
Roots are gently aligned (never forced)
Fragile growth points are protected

At this stage, the orchid is ready for wrapping.

Step 5: Wrapping Orchids with Paper (Bare-Root Packing)

We use clean, breathable paper to:

Protect roots from physical damage
Allow airflow during transit
Absorb minimal humidity if conditions change

Key principles:

No plastic directly on wet roots
No tight compression
Enough structure to hold the plant stable, but flexible enough to prevent pressure damage

Step 6: Group Packing and Box Arrangement

Inside the shipping box:

Orchids are arranged to prevent movement
Similar sizes are grouped together
Empty spaces are buffered with paper, not heavy fillers

This reduces:

Leaf breakage
Root abrasion
Stress during long flights

Step 7: Final Inspection Before Shipping

Before sealing the box:

Each plant is checked again
Labels and documents are verified
Total plant count matches invoices and permits

Only after passing all checks is the shipment sent for inspection and export.

Why We Prefer Paper Packing for Many International Orders

Paper packing is ideal because it:

Keeps plants dry and breathable
Reduces fungal risk during long transit
Meets quarantine and airline requirements
Is lightweight and plant-friendly

For many destinations, paper-wrapped bare-root orchids arrive healthier and adapt faster after unpacking.

After Arrival: What Customers Should Do

Once orchids arrive:

Unwrap immediately
Rinse roots with clean water
Let the plant rest in a shaded, airy place
Resume normal care after 1–2 days

This helps orchids recover smoothly from travel.

Our Packing Philosophy

Orchids are living plants, not products to rush.

Every step—from cleaning to paper wrapping—is done with patience and understanding. The goal is simple: send orchids that arrive clean, healthy, and ready to grow again.