Extreme heat poses a different risk to living plants than a typical warm summer day. Many orchids and exotic houseplants come from warm or tropical regions, but that doesn’t mean they can survive a hot day in transit without any problems. A plant in a sheltered spot in the greenhouse is in a very different environment than a plant in a closed box, en route in a truck or at a sorting center.
That is why, at Claessen Orchids and Plants, we postpone shipments when temperatures get too high. We do this not to unnecessarily delay orders, but to minimize the risk of damage during transport. Live plants remain fragile products, especially when roots, leaves, flowers, or young shoots are exposed to heat that is difficult to control.
A tropical plant is not automatically resistant to extreme heat
.When it comes to orchids and rare houseplants, there is sometimes confusion surrounding the term “tropical.” Many species thrive in warmth, but heat combined with dry air, stagnant air, and sealed packaging can quickly cause stress. This also applies to plants that normally grow well in a warm room, greenhouse, or grow tent.
An orchid that thrives in warm conditions usually still needs air movement, suitable humidity, and a well-controlled root zone. In a box, that balance is lost. The plant receives no light, there is hardly any air circulation, and the temperature can rise even higher than the outside temperature would suggest.
Buds, young shoots, thin roots, and delicate leaves are particularly susceptible to this. Sometimes the damage is immediately visible, such as wilted leaves or damaged flowers. In other cases, you won’t notice that a plant has been under stress until a few days later.
Why shipping during a heat wave poses an extra risk
Under normal summer temperatures, we can safely ship many plants, especially when we pay close attention to shipping dates and the expected route. During a heat wave, that changes. Packages may be temporarily stored in vans, sorting centers, or depots where the temperature rises higher than outside. Even brief periods of extreme heat can be enough to cause damage to live plants.
That’s why we don’t just look at the temperature at the time of packing. We also consider the days that follow, the expected nighttime temperature, the destination, and the risk that a package might be in transit longer than usual. When multiple factors are unfavorable, we prefer to wait for a safer time to ship.
This can sometimes be inconvenient for customers, especially when an order is already ready to go. Still, in many cases, postponing shipment is better than sending a plant at a time when the risk of heat damage is too high.
What happens to your order when we postpone shipment
When we postpone shipment due to extreme heat, your order remains safe with us. The plants aren’t simply placed in a box to sit for days. We keep them under controlled conditions until it’s safe to ship again.
As soon as the temperature and shipping conditions improve, we’ll resume processing your order. You’ll automatically receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information as soon as the package is actually prepared and handed over to the carrier.
So you don’t need to reorder, and your plants won’t be forgotten. Delaying shipment is actually intended to ensure your order is handled with greater care.
Can you still order orchids or houseplants during a heat wave?
Yes, you can place an order in our online store as usual during hot weather. The availability of special orchids and rare houseplants The situation often changes quickly, especially with collector’s plants of which only a few specimens are available. By placing your order in advance, you can reserve the plant you’d like to have.
We’ll then schedule shipping for a time that’s better suited for live plants. This is especially important for delicate orchids, jewel orchids, Paphiopedilum, young plants, plants with flower buds, and species that are sensitive to drying out or sudden temperature changes.
For species that actually grow better in warmer conditions, caution is still important. “Warm-growing” does not mean a plant is suitable for transport in extreme heat. A warm, well-ventilated growing environment is quite different from a sealed package during a heat wave.
What can you do for your plants at home during a heat wave?
Hot weather requires some extra attention at home as well. On hot days, pay special attention to where the plant is located. Direct midday sun through a window can quickly damage leaves, even in plants that normally tolerate a lot of light. Temporarily move sensitive plants slightly further away from the window or provide light shade.
Check the moisture level more often, but don’t automatically water every day. Many orchids and houseplants actually develop problems when they remain too wet during hot weather. Feel the potting mix, check the weight of the pot, and inspect the roots. Water the plant when it needs it, not just because it’s hot.
For orchids, it’s important that water can drain properly. Don’t leave pots sitting in a layer of water, especially in hot weather. For many species, demineralized water is a better choice, especially if your tap water is hard. Also, ensure there’s air circulation, but avoid directing a strong, dry airflow directly at flowers or young shoots.
Why Careful Shipping Is More Important to Us Than Fast Shipping
At Claessen Orchids and Plants, we work with living plants—often rare varieties and hybrids that aren’t always easy to restock. Many customers deliberately order collector’s plants, flowering orchids, rare houseplants, or varieties that require specific care from us. An automated shipping approach—where every package must be shipped out immediately at all costs—doesn’t fit with that.
Sometimes fast shipping is the best choice. During extreme heat, however, this is often not the case. In such situations, it’s wiser to wait until the route, temperature, and timing are more favorable. This may mean that an order ships later than usual, but with a greater chance that the plant will arrive in good condition.
We understand that customers want clarity quickly. That’s why, during hot weather, we do our best to communicate when shipping schedules are temporarily adjusted. The goal always remains the same: to get plants to the customer safely, healthily, and responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Plants in Hot Weather
Why is my plant order being shipped later during a heat wave?
We postpone shipping when the temperature during transport becomes too risky for live plants. The plants will remain safely with us until a better time for shipping arrives.
Can I still order orchids during a heat wave?
Yes, you can still place an order. The plant will be reserved for you and shipped later when shipping conditions are safer.
Are tropical orchids more heat-tolerant?
Not necessarily. Many tropical orchids thrive in warm, humid, and well-ventilated conditions, but shipping them in a closed box during extreme heat poses a different risk.
When will you resume shipping after a heat wave?
We’ll resume shipping as soon as temperatures and shipping conditions are safe enough. We don’t just look at a single day, but also at the expected delivery days and the most likely route of the package.
What happens to my plant while shipping is delayed?
The plant remains with us under controlled conditions. As soon as shipping is safe again, your order will be prepared and you’ll automatically receive the tracking link.
Ordering Orchids with Care for the Right Shipping Time
Choosing a special plant is often a deliberate purchase. This is especially true for orchids, jewel orchids, Paphiopedilum, Vanda, Cattleya, Bulbophyllum, or rare houseplants, you want the plant to be handled with care from the moment you order until delivery.
That’s why, during extreme heat, we carefully consider the shipping schedule. You can continue to browse the collection and reserve plants through the online store. We’ll make sure shipping isn’t processed until the weather allows it safely.
