I usually ship plants with the root ball wrapped in damp paper towels, then sealed up in plastic wrap.
I need to ship roses to Maine, and I'm afraid the water would freeze and damage the plants.
Does anybody have any advice on how to ship plants (roses) to a frozen wasteland? (just kidding, Mainiacs)
CLOSED: Question on Shipping Plants
They sell heatpacks for shipping plants, if I can find the web-site, I'll add the link. They're fairly inexpensive. You can also wrap them in the same pink insulation you use for your roof and walls, I've recieved quite a few plants over the past few weeks wrapped that way. With roses, you don't have to ship them too damp, the celophane wrapped roses you buy in the stores are usually very dry sawdust when you get them. I'd soak them overnight before you ship them, and then ship fairly dry.
Quite honestly, our weather in Maine has been quite moderate lately for a Maine winter. It has at least been tolerable. I think they will be fine as long as you send Priority of course. That's just my opinion. Find out where the person receives their packages. If they are in a sheltered location they should be OK. Roses are quite durable.
Kim
You can get heat packs at www.warmers.com
ROX
I've used "Hot Hands" hand warmers (for my hands) but they get pretty warm... wouldn't that cook the plants?
I got mine for .97 cents at Walmart by the checkouts.. a pack of 4
I don't know about the other brands, but Hot Hands will only work for a few hours. The package will probably still be in Florida by the time it quits working.
The hand warmers from warmers.com last for 7 hours or 12 hours (2 different products).
My local fish store uses them when they ship fish. They attach the warmers to the top of the styrofoam lid, facing the inside. They don't get hot; but stay nice and toasty to the touch.