Frequently Asked Questions
Plants are weird.
Shipping is weird.
Tissue culture sounds scarier than it actually is.
If you've got a question, there's a pretty good chance someone else has asked it too.
Start with a section below and click the question you need.
Ordering & Shipping
Where can I buy your plants?
You can shop The Wanderleaf Co. through our website, Etsy, Palmstreet, and Facebook Marketplace.
Availability may vary between platforms, so if you see something you love, don't assume it'll still be there tomorrow.
When do you ship?
We typically ship orders Monday through Wednesday to help reduce the chance of plants sitting in a warehouse over the weekend.
Shipping schedules may change due to holidays, extreme weather, or other conditions that could put your plants at risk.
What shipping options do you offer?
Shipping options are available at checkout and may vary depending on your order. During extreme temperatures or for longer-distance shipments, we strongly recommend choosing an expedited shipping option.
Our goal isn't to upsell your shipping—it's to get your plants to you safely.
Do you offer local pickup?
Yes! Local pickup is available in Knoxville, Tennessee at our home where our business is located.
Local pickup orders must be collected within 3 days.
Do you ship everywhere in the United States?
We currently ship within the United States, with some state and territory restrictions due to agricultural regulations. Any current shipping restrictions will be noted at checkout or in our shipping policies.
Do you ship during extreme weather?
We keep a close eye on weather conditions when shipping live plants. During extreme heat or cold, we may recommend faster shipping, weather protection, or occasionally delay shipment when we believe conditions create an unreasonable risk to the plant.
Plants & Arrival
What should I do when my plant arrives?
Carefully unpack and inspect your plant, then check the soil before doing anything else. Don't automatically water, repot, or fertilize just because it arrived.
For complete instructions, visit our Plant Care Guide.
Is shipping stress normal?
Yes. Your plant just traveled in a dark box and may need a little time to adjust. Drooping, an older yellowing leaf, bent foliage, or minor cosmetic damage can all happen during shipping.
Give it a chance to settle before assuming something is wrong.
Should I repot my plant right away?
Usually, no.
Unless you see a reason to intervene—such as rot, pests, or a serious substrate issue—give your plant a few days to adjust before changing its environment again.
Why doesn't my plant look exactly like the listing photo?
Because plants are living things, and no two are exactly alike. Size, leaf shape, color, variegation, and maturity can vary from plant to plant unless the listing specifically states that you are purchasing the exact plant pictured.
What if my plant arrives damaged?
Take photos or video as soon as you open your package and contact us promptly. Please don't repot, cut, or otherwise alter the plant before reaching out, as we need to see its arrival condition.
Our full requirements for reporting shipping damage can be found in our Shipping & Refund Policies.
Where can I find care instructions for my plant?
Right here at Wanderleaf. Our Plant Care section includes step-by-step guides for rooted plants, tissue cultures, and corms, along with additional growing resources through Notes From Wanderleaf.
Tissue Culture & Corms
What is tissue culture?
Tissue culture is a method of growing plants in a sterile environment from a very small amount of plant material. When you receive one from Wanderleaf, you're getting a young plantlet that's ready to begin its transition from the bag to the real world.
Are tissue cultures difficult to acclimate?
No—and we really want to take the intimidation out of them.
You don't need a laboratory or years of experience. With a simple setup, high humidity, and a gradual acclimation process, even beginners can successfully grow tissue cultures.
What should I do when my tissue culture arrives?
Start with our Tissue Culture Care Guide. It walks you through the entire process—from taking your plantlet out of the bag and removing the gel to potting and acclimating it.
What is a corm?
A corm is a small underground storage structure that certain plants—especially Alocasias—use to produce new plants. It may look like a tiny potato, but there's an entire baby plant waiting in there.
How long does a corm take to sprout?
There isn't a set timeline. Some get moving quickly while others take weeks to show visible growth.
Roots may also develop before you ever see a leaf, so no visible growth doesn't necessarily mean nothing is happening.
What should I do when my corm arrives?
Head to our Corm Care Guide for the complete step-by-step process, including setup, substrate, humidity, light, and what to expect while you wait for that first little leaf.
Wanderleaf Direct
What is Wanderleaf Direct?
Wanderleaf Direct gives collectors, hobbyists, and small businesses access to wholesale tissue culture pricing without having to import plants themselves.
You choose what you want, we handle the overseas ordering and import process, and your tissue cultures are shipped to you domestically once they arrive at Wanderleaf.
Who can order through Wanderleaf Direct?
Anyone! You don't have to own a business or be a reseller.
Whether you want one plant for your personal collection or you're purchasing inventory for your business, you're welcome to order.
Is there a minimum order?
Nope. There are no minimum order requirements with Wanderleaf Direct. You can order one tissue culture or stock up for your business. Pricing is tiered by quantity, so ordering more of the same variety may lower your per-plant price.
How does ordering work?
Wanderleaf Direct opens in scheduled ordering rounds. During each round, you'll be able to shop the available lab catalog and place your order before the posted deadline.
After the round closes, we place the combined order with the lab. Estimated arrival information is provided for each round.
Are arrival dates guaranteed?
No. International plant shipments can be affected by flights, customs, inspections, weather, and lab schedules.
We provide the best estimated timeline available and communicate changes when we receive them, but arrival dates are estimates—not guarantees.
When will I receive my Wanderleaf Direct order?
Each ordering round includes an estimated arrival date based on the lab's production and shipping schedule. Once the shipment arrives at Wanderleaf, we sort and inspect the tissue cultures and begin preparing customer orders for domestic shipping.
Because these orders are imported, exact timing can shift due to flights, customs, inspections, or lab delays. We'll keep you updated if the expected timeline changes.
Classes & Help
Do I need experience to take a tissue culture class?
Absolutely not. Our classes are specifically designed with beginners in mind.
If you've never opened a tissue culture bag in your life, you're in the right place.
Do you offer virtual tissue culture classes?
Yes. We offer private virtual tissue culture classes so you can learn from home. You'll receive the supplies you need ahead of time, and we'll work through the process together during your session.
Can I book help with a plant problem?
Yes. We offer private virtual Plant Care Q&A sessions where you can bring your plant right to the screen.
We'll talk through what you're seeing, your current care and setup, and possible next steps.
Where can I find upcoming classes?
Current workshops, classes, and private learning options can be found through Wanderleaf Academy.
What will I need for class?
That depends on the class, but we'll make sure you know exactly what to expect before your session. For tissue culture classes, the supplies you'll need are either provided or sent to you ahead of time.
You just show up ready to learn—we'll handle the rest.
Policies, Returns & Problems
Do you accept returns or exchanges?
Because plants are living, perishable items, we do not accept traditional returns or exchanges. If there is a problem with your order, please contact us as soon as possible so we can review the situation.
What if my plant arrives damaged?
Please take clear photos and an unboxing video showing the condition of your plant and packaging when it arrives, and contact us within the timeframe listed in our policies.
Please do not repot, cut, or alter the plant before contacting us.
What if my package is delayed by the carrier?
Once a package is in the carrier's possession, delays can happen that are outside our control. We will always help where we can, but carrier delays do not automatically qualify an order for a refund.
Choosing an appropriate shipping speed—especially during extreme temperatures—is important when ordering live plants.
What if I don't pick up my local order?
Local pickup orders must be collected within 3 days. Because plants are living things, we cannot guarantee their condition while they continue to sit waiting for pickup.
Orders that are not collected within the pickup window and where no arrangements have been made may be considered abandoned and handled according to our Local Pickup Policy.
What if I change my mind after placing an order?
Orders begin moving through our fulfillment process quickly, so cancellations are not guaranteed. Any cancellation or refund eligibility will be determined according to the policy for the platform where your purchase was made.
Where can I read all of your policies?
Our FAQ is meant to give you the quick version. For complete information about shipping, arrival issues, refunds, local pickup, cancellations, and other order policies, please visit our Policies page.