twitcher said:Problem is, you may not see the damage. I did a three way purchase with NH two years ago with two other semp friends. We did the 2 for 1 sale, then split the plants among the three of us, two getting 1 each of the large plants and 1 getting the offsets. We each had preferences defined, so the best plants went to the "preferred" person and the others divided accordingly. The plants were bare root, but we had a couple start to rot from the shipping and handling, that didn't become apparent right away. So now, I always plant and then wait about a week before watering. Just my preference. I'm cautious by nature - I always actually stop at stop signs and look both ways!
Though Twitcher doesn't need my concurrence for his (sorry!) reasoning, here is the scientific reason for why waiting 7 days or so after shipping will help prevent rot: All plants receive some damage during shipping/handling. This leaves moist open plant cells in the damaged areas (may not even be visible to naked eye). These wounds are an open invitation to the microbes responsible for decomposition, add water to the mix (i.e. watering soon after arrival) and you have created the potential perfect storm for rot. Bacteria/fungi in the soil are moved into the damaged tissue and thrive in the moist nutrient rich environment. And Voila! your favorite new order has begun to rot!
However, if you wait for a few days before watering damaged areas dry down and the plant has time to wall off the damaged cell areas, which prevents entry of the opportunistic bacteria/fungi which are responsible for rotting.
(I hope this makes sense, having a migraine today because of rain!)
It's nice to see all the great pics and comments! Can't wait to get my own order now, time to plant here!
I am so glad you found your way here Terri.
