3 1/2 days of cold plant box survival test

[Jag1980]

Just a small test I did just to see what would happen if a plant was being shipped and left out in cold weather. Coldest temp was about 25*f and warmest I think was about 50*f

I think this might be just as cold as being shipped ground in the winter season. I left the box sitting in the back yard.
Wrapped in a wet paper towel, placed in a zip lock bag and thrown in a box.
Not that good of a test, but it might be interesting to someone.

Here's the results.

Day of packaging:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/Picturesfrom2006/CIMG4792.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/Picturesfrom2006/CIMG4794.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/Picturesfrom2006/CIMG4797.jpg





3 1/2 days later.
Very soft and some parts of the leaves are melting.
I was going to put it back in my tank to see if it survives, but the plant now kinda resembles a cooked green bean you buy in a can. :silly:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/Picturesfrom2006/CIMG4827.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/Picturesfrom2006/CIMG4825.jpg

[Reefscape]

I think its a good test to run, in my opinion....thanks for sharing the results...A good one would of been to put it in the tank after looking like a green bean, to see how it reacts regarding recovery, and if it does, how quickly it would get back to normal...

[Jag1980]

That was my original plan, but after smelling the plant it kinda stinks so I decided not to. The stem also feels very soft and hollow.

I think it would have worked better with a rooted plant instead of a stem plant.
Stem doesn't seem to hold as much life as rooted plant might.

[James0816]

ooooooooooo....me lika tests <pulls out pocket protector and safety glasses>

I've received a few like this and have had mixed results. Some stems have bounced back. Others, like vals, withered away.

[naturegrl]

Right now, 25 degrees would be a heat wave here in Michigan. We've had single digits and teens for the last couple of months. Even had, not snow days off of school, but windchill days that were -25.

I've had mixed results too. I was a newb at mail order plants. Ordered some in Nov. and happened to have a serious cold snap the same time the package was enroute. No heat packs or insulation. Everything looked bad. Java moss was toast. A couple others too. Wisteria and bronze hygro came back from the dead but it took several weeks. Almost gave up and pulled them but they look great now.

I've also wondered about shipping even in a little milder temps. Most priority mail and express is air mail. It's VERY cold at 20,000+ ft. I don't think the cargo bays are heated.

I've passed up many great deals here when they don't have heat packs in the box. Too risky. Just ordered some mosses and shrimp (with heat of course) so we'll see how it turns out. Still nervous though....

[Bk718]

But one thing.. during the 2-3 day usps shipping you never know how long the box spends outside/inside so the temperatures vary. Either way once it hits below 50 its best to use a heatpack.

[Fordtrannyman]

Thanks for sharing that Jag. I too think you should have put it back a tank, willing to bet it bounced back.

I agree w/BK although I push the envelope a little and go with 48F. :)