Never Never Plant

We want our customers to receive strong, healthy plants that are ready to thrive in their gardens and homes. Here's what we'd like you to know about our shipping practices.

Delivery Timing

We aim to deliver your plants at as close to the proper time for planting in your area as possible. To do so, we consider the USDA Hardiness Zone to which we're shipping, current and forecasted weather at the destination and along the shipping route, and whether your plants are ready for transplant.

In spring, we ship first to the warmest regions and move north as planting conditions improve. For fall deliveries, we begin with the coolest regions and work south. We frequently adjust shipping schedules when extreme weather could put plants at risk while in transit or soon after arrival.

Because different plants reach readiness at different rates and are weather-sensitive in varying degree, a single order may be delivered via multiple shipments. Plants sold as part of a collection, or that are otherwise meant to arrive together, will be shipped together. Please contact our customer service team with two weeks' advance notice if you anticipate being away at the expected time of delivery. 

Tracking information for each package is delivered via email. 

Plant & Container Sizes

We deliver plants in various sizes and stages of growth, and the product detail pages of our website indicate the form and/or pot size in which the plant will be delivered. Pot sizes range from 1 pint to 1 gallon and larger. Many perennials, roses, shrubs and vines are delivered bareroot - that is, not in a container at all. Bulbs and tubers are generally delivered bareroot and fully dormant. We choose container sizes and delivery methods based on how each plant grows best, how we can minimize transplant shock, and how to minimize unnecessary bulk/weight in shipment. 

Caring for Your Plants Upon Arrival

It is important to acclimate greenhouse-grown plants to life outdoors. All plant shipments include simple instructions for handling your plants upon arrival. Further how-to information, including planting instructions, is available on each plant's product page.

Latin Name Pronunciation: ten-an' thee  

Ctenanthe, formerly known as Stromanthe, is a genus in the Maranta family that is native to tropical rainforests in Mexico and Central and South America. Plants require exceptional humidity and can be temperamental if humidity or light is inadequate. Plants are mildly toxic to pets if ingested.

Light: Ctenanthe leaves are most colorful when exposed to bright indirect light. Position plants near an east- or north-facing window or in a brightly lit room away from direct sunlight, which can burn leaves. If grown outdoors in summer, locate in partial to full shade.

Watering: When soil feels dry to the touch just ½" below the surface, water thoroughly using tepid water. It is best not to let soil dry out. Leaf tips and edges may brown and curl with inadequate water; if this happens, just snip off any unsightly leaves and new ones will grow.

Temperature: Ctenanthe prefers warmth and grows well in typical household temperature ranges above 50°F. Avoid cold drafts.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced (18-18-18), water-soluble houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength, once a month during the growing season (generally April into September). Withhold fertilizer in fall and winter when most plants rest.

Humidity: Ctenanthe requires exceptional humidity and is best grown near a steamy shower or a humidifier; additionally, grouping plants together is helpful.

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