Many plants are placed in greenhouses for 1 to 3 months after being transported long distances, to regain their vigor or finish growing. Severely injured plants, however, will not recover. The choice of packaging is based on the size of the plant, the amount of foliage, the flexibility of the branches and leaves, as well as their tendency to become entangled or damaged during loading. Freight rates and desired loading density are additional factors to be considered. In deciding the amount of packaging and subsequent loading procedures, shippers should keep in mind that unprotected plants are subject to cold air and the possibility of being damaged and bruised.
Damaged plants produce more ethylene, which causes leaves to yellow, drop, or curl downward.
Flowers on plants effected by ethylene will fail to open, wilt, or fall off. Plants must never be shipped or stored with fruits, vegetables, or cut flowers as these products also give off ethylene. Flowering plants should be shipped separately from foliage plants. Flowers and fruit should be removed from plants transported overseas in van containers. Most potted plants are protected during handling and transportation with kraft paper or clear plastic sleeves.