Shipping policy

🌿 Shipping Information

Thank you for visiting Big Leaf Orchids!

Shipping is scheduled according to weather conditions in both Southlake, Texas, and the destination area. Orders may be held when temperatures along the route could place live orchids at risk.

Customers are always welcome to request a later shipping date. During warm weather, UPS 2nd Day Air or Next Day Air is recommended to reduce transit time.

Thank you for your patience and continued support!

💲 Shipping Costs

Shipping charges are calculated automatically at checkout based on the destination, package size, and package weight.

Simply add the plants you would like to your cart and enter your ZIP code to view the available shipping options and exact cost before completing your purchase. There is no obligation to place an order.

We strive to keep shipping costs as low as possible while using quality packing materials. Whether you order one orchid or several, every plant is carefully wrapped and secured to minimize movement during transit.

🚚 Shipping Schedule and Order Processing

Most orders are processed within one business day.

We typically ship live plants on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to minimize transit time and reduce the possibility of weekend delays.

Orders placed later in the week may be held until the following Monday. Shipping may also be delayed because of extreme weather, holidays, carrier disruptions, or other conditions that could affect plant safety.

If you would like your order held for a particular date, please leave a note at checkout or contact us after placing your order.

🌡️ Weather-Related Shipping

We review the weather forecast in Southlake, Texas, as well as the destination forecast, before scheduling each shipment.

Orders may be held when temperatures are too hot or too cold for live orchids to travel safely.

Heat packs may be used when overnight temperatures are in the 40s °F. We do not ship when temperatures are expected to reach the 30s °F or below, even with a heat pack.

Customers are welcome to place prepaid orders during periods of unsuitable weather and request delayed shipping. We will hold the plants until conditions improve.

🚛 Shipping Methods

We select the shipping service that provides the best balance of speed, reliability, cost, and plant safety based on the destination and expected transit time.

  • Texas orders are typically shipped via UPS Ground.

  • Orders to nearby states may ship via UPS Ground or UPS 2nd Day Air, depending on transit time.

  • Most orders outside the surrounding region ship via UPS 2nd Day Air to reduce transit time and weather exposure.

  • UPS Next Day Air may be recommended during periods of extreme heat or when faster delivery is needed.

We reserve the right to select the carrier and service level that best protects the plants while in transit.

🌱 Orders Requiring a State Phytosanitary Certificate

Shipments to California, Arizona, and Puerto Rico require a state phytosanitary certificate before they can be shipped.

These orders will ship following the next available inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Inspections are generally conducted twice each month, so shipping times will depend on when the order is placed and the inspection schedule.

Weather conditions may cause the shipment to be held even after an inspection has been completed.

🌴 Hawaii Orders

Hawaii orders require both an Import Permit and a State Phytosanitary Certificate.

Please email us before placing your order so we can coordinate the required documentation and shipping arrangements.

Minimum order: $500.

🌎 International Shipping

We currently ship live plants within the United States only.

❓ Questions About Your Shipment

If you are unsure when your order will ship or would like to arrange a weather hold, specific shipping date, or combined shipment, please email us. We are always happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is shipping?

Shipping is calculated automatically at checkout based on your destination, package size, and package weight. Add the items you would like to your cart and enter your ZIP code to view the available options and exact cost before payment. There is no obligation to complete the purchase.

Why does shipping cost what it does?

Shipping charges include carrier fees and quality packing materials designed to protect live plants in transit. We strive to keep costs as low as possible while helping your orchids arrive safely.

When will my order ship?

We typically ship live plants on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Orders placed later in the week may be held until the following Monday to avoid weekend delays. Weather, holidays, carrier disruptions, and phytosanitary inspection requirements may affect the shipping date.

Can you hold my order?

Yes. We are happy to hold an order for better weather or a preferred shipping date. Please leave a note at checkout or email us after placing your order.

Which shipping service will be used?

We select the carrier and service level based on the destination, expected transit time, weather, and plant safety. Most orders outside the surrounding region ship via UPS 2nd Day Air.

Can you combine multiple orders?

Yes. If you place multiple orders before shipment, we are happy to combine them whenever possible. Any eligible excess shipping charge may be refunded or issued as store credit.

Do you ship during very hot or cold weather?

Plant safety is our priority. If temperatures at the shipping origin, destination, or along the route could place the plants at risk, we may delay shipment until conditions improve.

Do you ship outside the United States?

No. We currently ship live plants within the United States only.