Birthday Plant Mail FAIL 😭 Snapped Leaves, THRIPS & Seller Response

I bought this plant over the holiday for my birthday and I was SO excited to find this one. I took a chance ordering it on and it was a major FAIL 😭 I included the seller response in the second half of the video. So disappointed in this whole situation 😔
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
03:12 Unboxing begins
10:32 Finding Thrips
12:05 After unboxing
18:59 Seller Response
26:22 Checking the plant
28:54 Outro
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Пікірлер: 610

  • @plantsbymelissa
    @plantsbymelissa4 ай бұрын

    Update video is now Live here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/aH-uqqienNO1qto.html

  • @scottholder4431
    @scottholder44315 ай бұрын

    Melissa seems so cute, innocent, reserved, calm and collected............until she sees some thrips and then she goes balls to the walls.

  • @martywolfman

    @martywolfman

    5 ай бұрын

    Indeed. I know it's not a funny thing to happen, but it made me chuckle, just seeing Melissa react like that.

  • @lindacambria5413

    @lindacambria5413

    5 ай бұрын

    So true lol!- not funny it happened but you’re right I couldn’t have imagined her mad! There was no way that plant came well packaged and the thrip damage was not overnight.

  • @desertflower9557

    @desertflower9557

    5 ай бұрын

    I know, I am always so surprised when she swears. 😊

  • @AmericanaGardens

    @AmericanaGardens

    5 ай бұрын

    Yup! 😂😂😂

  • @boopeepope56-ey5gz

    @boopeepope56-ey5gz

    5 ай бұрын

    I'm sorry I keep rewinding. Its a pest...she's frozen . She goes off😂😂😂😂😂

  • @rkplants5670
    @rkplants56705 ай бұрын

    Root rot, broken leaves, and thrips? You handled that much better than I would have. ❤😂

  • @bellalexi2085
    @bellalexi20855 ай бұрын

    You did everything perfectly! I’m a 30 years business owner and we would never would have succeeded if we treated customers that way. She got a bad review and we all saw what happened. UNACCEPTABLE. How can she sleep at night knowing she upset a customer who is her bread and butter? How much business will she lose because of her business ethics. You did exactly what you should have. Have a great birthday and move on. I advise a bigger splurge in a plant purchase, and feel like you should, the BEST plant mama, and feeling good about it. Forget this experience! You deserve better.

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you! 🥹 I will definitely have to treat myself from a reputable seller! You're exactly right! When I start selling more regularly I hope to only be the best I can and if anything happens I make it right immediately. I would never want anyone to feel like I did here.

  • @bellalexi2085

    @bellalexi2085

    5 ай бұрын

    @@plantsbymelissa Well, with that attitude, I will be your most loyal customer! AND I promise you’ll be very successful as a reputable seller. 😜👍🪴

  • @conniewilds7655

    @conniewilds7655

    5 ай бұрын

    I can't wait to make my 1st purchase from U😊

  • @NaturallyNatural81
    @NaturallyNatural815 ай бұрын

    when you make Melissa cuss, we ride at dawn!!!

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    😂🫶🏻

  • @MyJungleRoots

    @MyJungleRoots

    5 ай бұрын

    😂😂

  • @Twinleo1

    @Twinleo1

    5 ай бұрын

    Ha ha. Best comment ever!!! 😂😂😂

  • @pearlrunga-maclaren8756

    @pearlrunga-maclaren8756

    5 ай бұрын

    😂 Glorious!

  • @user-rd3gd7vm2l

    @user-rd3gd7vm2l

    5 ай бұрын

    😂😂😂

  • @animallover1297
    @animallover12975 ай бұрын

    You were very kind and generous to give her a 2 star review. I would put it in an envelope and send it back , thrips and all

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    My husband told me to leave 1 star 🤭 If she wasn't going to fully refund me I was definitely leaving a 1 star review.

  • @jodybogar8605

    @jodybogar8605

    5 ай бұрын

    Yes, two stars was very generous for sure!

  • @wildfern
    @wildfern5 ай бұрын

    Omg what the heck!! I’m so shook at her response 😧 that is brutal. Sorry this happened to you, thrips are so stressful to deal with 💚

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you fern 🥹 yes! they are so stressful 😩 I’m glad she fully refunded me! I’m still sad about the situation and how it was handled but I do truly wish her the best and hope she takes this opportunity to improve 😔

  • @Thatguy56117
    @Thatguy561175 ай бұрын

    As someone who also suffers post thrip stress disorder, your reaction is justified. I just got over a 7month battle with them demon spawn.

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Yes! I saw red haha. I had major flashbacks to last summer and the thought of an outbreak made me so mad 😔

  • @theoriginalglitchqueen2544

    @theoriginalglitchqueen2544

    5 ай бұрын

    Straight up! I battle spider mites HARD all summer, a thrips infestation would kill me lmao

  • @gretchenritter3955
    @gretchenritter39555 ай бұрын

    Sorry this happened to you! But this video is a good reminder to all of us that online orders don't always go as expected.

  • @jaclynns.jungle
    @jaclynns.jungle5 ай бұрын

    As a seller you should always eat the loss. Never question the customer like this. Sadly, when I post videos like this I get attacked, so I'm glad that's not happening to you! Its important to show that this can happen. A lot of people are afraid to say something! ❤

  • @kyrad6543
    @kyrad65435 ай бұрын

    My friend always said, "if you aren't ready to drop kick your package across the room, you aren't ready to send it through the mail!" Fragile stickers are useless. I feel like most times that just puts a bigger target on your box.

  • @TinyHyena1967

    @TinyHyena1967

    5 ай бұрын

    @kyrad6543 ~ Oh, yeah ... NEVER put a warning sticker on a package. That's just begging some mean-spirited postal employee to do exactly what the sticker asks them NOT to do. A couple of months ago we ordered a 2024 calendar. The package arrived with a large DO NOT BEND sticker on the outside. Well, some lovely postal employee decided that was their cue to FOLD the package. Our calendar arrived with a huge crease right down the middle of it.

  • @KattsJungle
    @KattsJungle5 ай бұрын

    You were 100% justified in standing your ground. You weren't disrespectful and even were very careful to not speak poorly of the seller even with this situation. I appreciate the way you handled this and shared with us, I recently had a VERY similar experience with a prince of orange and didn't get a refund and the seller essentially told me that the spider mites must have come from the usps truck. The plant is still struggling to this day and hasn't grown a single new leaf.

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Definitely not okay! When you become a seller you should be inspecting plants super closely. Sounds like it was easy to blame USPS for the spider mites because it couldn’t have already been on the plant 😒 I mean no hate to her and I completely understand things happen. I honestly wish her the best and hope she takes this experience and improves 🫶🏻

  • @invaderjill8054

    @invaderjill8054

    5 ай бұрын

    “Must have picked up spider mites in transit” - that’s a new one. 😂 wow.

  • @aflanagan13
    @aflanagan135 ай бұрын

    Omg crappy situation, but your reaction to the thrips did make me chuckle. You literally reacted exactly how I would’ve hahaha. Feel better Melissa, don’t be too bummed!! 😊

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you! I'm still bummed about everything but trying to move past it all. I was so mad at seeing the thrips haha.

  • @Tina-wi7we
    @Tina-wi7we5 ай бұрын

    I'm glad you stood your ground. It was good for her to learn from this as well. I hope the plant is ok now.

  • @Tina-wi7we

    @Tina-wi7we

    5 ай бұрын

    And we all learned from this so thank you for sharing!

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you! I'm happy to share my experiences good and bad 🫶

  • @musicalmarion
    @musicalmarion5 ай бұрын

    I'm glad you recorded the unboxing. This usually happens without proof. I think with your amazing collection, your reaction was understandable and you were more than fair with that Seller. However, if you were that upset, I'd have just dumped the plant after the refund, end of story. However if anyone can nurse this poor plant back to health it's you, and I'm glad it has you caring for it and not that Seller, Mel ❤

  • @kimberlylarkins8858
    @kimberlylarkins88585 ай бұрын

    Melissa, I think you handled this very well. I’m a relatively new plant mom and try my hardest to check my plants. I’d never seen a thrip before you shared and it helps so much. I’d love to know if you already have or if you’d consider making a video on how to get rid of spider mites, thrips, fungus, gnats, etc.

  • @MaishiaRussell
    @MaishiaRussell5 ай бұрын

    Wow! I’m so sorry you experienced this but I’m happy you made this video to help bring awareness to others before they purchase from this seller

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much! I felt so bad about everything and it's never my intention to make anyone look bad. I only hope this situation can help others and I definitely learned a lot myself 🥹

  • @MaishiaRussell

    @MaishiaRussell

    5 ай бұрын

    @@plantsbymelissa I completely understand and can relate but never feel bad for telling the truth! I love your content, you are one of the most genuine plant vloggers so I know and your other viewers know your intentions were not to be malicious.

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you! 🥹

  • @brendamoncayo2743
    @brendamoncayo27435 ай бұрын

    Sorry this crap happened to you on such a special plant. I gotta say it was totally funny and caught me off guard to hear your curse. That was the Real-Deal right there. No holding back. Loved it!

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    haha I was so mad at seeing the thrips. I had such a bad flashback to last summer 😂

  • @rhondafisher72
    @rhondafisher725 ай бұрын

    So sorry this happened to you. She definitely needed to fully refund, with your beautiful collection I would be really upset too. Fingers crossed it comes out ok.

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you! I'm still upset by everything. I think if I opened this in my plant room I would be so worried right now. I am definitely taking this experience and will be more cautious moving forward with unboxings and where I order plants from 🫶

  • @dianespring3228
    @dianespring32285 ай бұрын

    You are completely right! That plant had bugs before she sent it. You definitely should have been refunded. That is not normal business practice! So sorry this happened to you. But I want you to have a wonderful birthday 🎂

  • @pepperbuster
    @pepperbuster5 ай бұрын

    Sorry to hear you had to go through this ordeal for your birthday 😰 I hope the plant heals and you beat those pesky thrips! It'll be wonderful to see an update on this baby down the line when she's well and thriving. There might have been lots of frustration but it's good that at least the issue was sorted out with the seller. Wishing you loads of good luck!

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much! I checked on it today and no thrips yet so I think that's my sign to try and save it 🥺

  • @hithere2468
    @hithere24685 ай бұрын

    Good for you for standing up for yourself! You were much more generous than what I would have been. You have a great attitude and I appreciate you sharing your experience.

  • @user-rd3gd7vm2l
    @user-rd3gd7vm2l5 ай бұрын

    That whole plant would've hit the trash soooooo fast!! ALWAYS ALWAYS ask for a refund in scenarios like this. You matter! I'm so sorry that happened to you.

  • @dora9368
    @dora93685 ай бұрын

    Melissa I'm sorry you experienced this.😢 Thank you for sharing with us. I like the way you handled this issue with a professional demeanor.😊 I hope everything turns out well for you and the plant/s 🌿🌵

  • @scarydebbie
    @scarydebbie5 ай бұрын

    So very sorry…I’m dealing with my first thrips find on some of my plants and felt your panic….NOOOOOO. Thank you for sharing your wisdom which has helped me immensely, and happy birthday!!!

  • @shvnique
    @shvnique5 ай бұрын

    this made me realize that I need to do a better job at inspecting my plants so thank you for this. also, as a girlie that curses a lot, I loved hearing your cursing 🤣 it was real and authentic which makes me appreciate this video even more. I look forward to seeing the progress on this plant. I think you can rehab it and have it blossom into the plant you want it to be.

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you! 🥹🫶🏻 haha I definitely have my cursing moments. I try not to do it on camera or I edit things out but I felt like I had to share how I was feeling here 😢

  • @beckvang2174
    @beckvang21745 ай бұрын

    This is honestly my worst nightmare.. I've only had about 2 good plant mail experiences out of the 10+. I no longer order plants online, but I understand those that do, especially if your nurseries don't carry these plants. But to carry a pest as well? Not okay AT ALL. I dislike the way this seller handled the situation, super unprofessional. I would be just as upset girlie. I'm so sorry that this happened. 😢

  • @roselynburciar7401
    @roselynburciar74015 ай бұрын

    You handled this situation correctly; you gave the shop owner the chance to make it right. Being a plant business owner I’m surprised she didn’t realize you have a following on YT & many people will see how she handled this situation. I have to say you had me & my hubby laughing when you dropped those bombs when you saw the thrips. We totally understood after you battled thrips in the past on your marantas. We ❤ watching you & your videos are very helpful & entertaining. Have a Happy Birthday 🎈

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you! I’m not sure if she knew of my account or not. I didn’t say anything to her. I always want a fair purchase 🥺 I was trying to be understanding on both sides and I wasn’t mean at all. I was so upset when I woke up the next morning and read her response 😔 I felt like I shouldn’t have had to ask for it.

  • @bre1699
    @bre16995 ай бұрын

    I’m so sorry you went through this. If you’re looking for recommendations I enjoy Lost in the Forrest in Minneapolis, great shipping, amazing owner. I also looked at blossm and cannot find your review I really hope it didn’t get deleted.

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you! Never heard of them before! I'm not sure why the review isn't there 😔

  • @kelseymaassen2286

    @kelseymaassen2286

    5 ай бұрын

    Lost in the Forest is amazing!

  • @Twinleo1
    @Twinleo15 ай бұрын

    Omg. What a bummer situation, but honestly, I LOVE this video!!! This was a good reminder to open everything outside! Seriously. I’m so tired of pests. I will have spider mites forever 😡 Luckily when I spotted thrips, they were only on 3 new plants over a couple months, so I was able to get rid of them. I kept them in my laundry room under a grow light for 6 months 😂. After 6 months of not seeing any, I finally felt okay with bringing them out. I just really didn’t trust them. You should have a little flashlight handy too. It’s crazy how hard they are to see until you shine light right on them. I know you know that though. I just saw some spider mites on my Silver Sword with my light on my phone 😡. I never noticed them before. Ugghh. Spider mites suck so bad and I feel like I will never get rid of them permanently 🤨

  • @cutiecaper
    @cutiecaper5 ай бұрын

    Awe Melissa I wanted to hug you through the screen! Happy Birthday ❤🎉

  • @jackiesmithwinkworth3085
    @jackiesmithwinkworth30855 ай бұрын

    Just got home from work. Unbelievable! It’s a good thing you are so diligent about looking over your plant mail, and I am so happy about the end result: a refund and hopefully/eventually a healthy plant when all is said and done. You deserve it especially because it is a special birthday plant!

  • @marymorris9421
    @marymorris94215 ай бұрын

    Sorry for your disappointment, especially on your birthday. You handled it well. I hope your plant survive and the pests are gone.

  • @rebeccareber2208
    @rebeccareber22085 ай бұрын

    What a sad experience for you, and on birthday plant mail too! You handled it the best way you could even tho you were uncomfortable about the whole thing! Although I have to say I’m not super excited to order online, which I’ve only done a couple of times. Good luck with it all!!

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you! 😢 It can definitely be risky sometimes especially if you don’t know the seller. I hope the plant will be okay though and no thrips pop up 😬

  • @HappyBuffalo-ky9ni
    @HappyBuffalo-ky9niАй бұрын

    Your reaction to the thrip was me earlier when I brought a new plant home. I was so upset. I just threw it away. I kept it away from my other plants, so I hope they didn’t spread to my other plants.

  • @Cindery936
    @Cindery9362 ай бұрын

    I have the luxury of never ever having ever seen thrips. I know not the terror.

  • @coconutgirl816
    @coconutgirl8165 ай бұрын

    I'm just impressed that you can see thrips with your bare eyes, i need a magnifying glass to see pests. That's why they're always four generations in before i catch on.

  • @haleyellis2751
    @haleyellis27515 ай бұрын

    $89 is ridiculous to be receiving a plant with one leaf when it was purchased with 5 because of their poor packaging. And then to have a response like that is completely unacceptable. I’m so sorry you had this experience.

  • @dianecaruthers966
    @dianecaruthers96628 күн бұрын

    Oh my, this made me want to cry for you. I've recently started collecting some plants, but i would have freaked. When someone wants something defective back it makes me think they don't believe me and I'm trying to scam them. GRRR. Good luck sweetie!

  • @patriciamusquiz2834
    @patriciamusquiz28345 ай бұрын

    Such a beautiful 🪴plant! You did the right thing reaching out to her to fix the situation. I have that plant too in my collection and just love her so much. I hope the plant recovers. She pushes out leaves very frequently. ❤️

  • @pencilcurls
    @pencilcurls5 ай бұрын

    Aww Melissa! I’m sorry your pali arrived this way. Not an ideal situation for sure. On the bright side, I have a pali myself and they are sooo resilient, easy care and are fairly pest resistant. I don’t doubt the plant will bounce back and thrive in your care! I look forward to updates. Good luck, girl 😊

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you! I hope it will be okay 🙏 I feel like I can't give up on it but I am definitely worried it might have them still.

  • @ashleybuffa7971
    @ashleybuffa79715 ай бұрын

    After watching your journey with thrips last year I completely understand your reaction. I would feel that way regardless of any pest I found.

  • @JenicaThibodeaux
    @JenicaThibodeaux5 ай бұрын

    This is really sad when someone is very passionate about their plants and spend a lot of money.

  • @lily-arezubar
    @lily-arezubar5 ай бұрын

    I‘m so proud of you that you explained your points and stood your ground! And I’m so sorry you had this devastating experience, especially on your birthday. I hope you still could enjoy your special day and I really hope the plant will be okay. You always inspire me with your nature and the way you handle things, so don’t doubt yourself. We’re all inspired by you! I have a palli coming from Ecuagenera so maybe that’s an option as well. I paid 28 Dollars for a pretty mature plant and live in germany. Shipping was like 10 dollars and 4 dollars handling. I’m crossing my fingers for you and your collection! ❤️stay strong!

  • @sarahcordova8535
    @sarahcordova85355 ай бұрын

    As I’m watching this, I’m inspecting a black pagoda lipstick plant and discover a full on invasion of thrips. Never had them before….this’ll be fun

  • @otaku.plants
    @otaku.plants5 ай бұрын

    As someone who Packs up plants weekly. That is not how you pack up plants. Yikes. 😢 zero protection. That is wild. Sorry that happened. Let me ship you mine! 😅 It's smaller, but gorgeous. ❤

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    aw thank you! I think I just saw your message on insta a little bit ago. You definitely don't have to do that 🥺

  • @otaku.plants

    @otaku.plants

    5 ай бұрын

    @plantsbymelissa I feel bad. I would have been so upset. 😢 I mean it though. I'll check Instagram I haven't yet today!

  • 5 ай бұрын

    Ughhhh this is so frustrating!! Another reason why I’m nervous to order online. You handled the situation well.

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @puddsmax863

    @puddsmax863

    5 ай бұрын

    Most online orders I've received just fine! Check all the reviews. I usually do not order from somewhere if it's below 4.5 stars. :)

  • @nofields9904

    @nofields9904

    5 ай бұрын

    I totally agree.

  • 5 ай бұрын

    @@puddsmax863Thanks!

  • @well_rooted
    @well_rooted5 ай бұрын

    Wow! I can be super all or nothing and I feel like I’d have trouble eventually trusting the plant to truly be pest free. I’d always live in fear of the what ifs! So it’ll be nice to see how you handle it! No pressure! Whatever you do is the right thing for you!

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Definitely being very cautious with it. I only hope it doesn’t have any more thrips that will hatch because then I don’t know if it will be worth the hassle 😫

  • @Hollywiththeflowers
    @Hollywiththeflowers5 ай бұрын

    Livid!! Does anyone else get the feeling she just wanted to unload a rotting pest covered plant on someone & Melissa just happened to be the unlucky one? Polyfill wouldn’t move around in shipping like that. I sure as shit know that isn’t a thing that, those leaves would get the other side of the polyfill . Really is a sellers responsibility to ensure that they inspect plants before they ship them. It’s a high value plant, that could have cost you a whole lot more in treatment for thrips if you hadn’t noticed them & they got in your plant collection. Oh what a beautiful new plant you have there.. I’m sure you are so happy you bothered buying it? Happy birthday anyway! Good luck with it .

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    I would hope no one would ever do that to someone on purpose that is just wrong 😟 I’ve been checking over my plants every day since and put out lots of predatory mites so hoping nothing pops up. I’m still very anxious about it 😔

  • @ConnieP92
    @ConnieP925 ай бұрын

    Sorry this happened Melissa! And yes unfortunately things can go awry at times. But glad it was resolved and hope that thrips don't emerge! You've had your fair share of them for the last 2 months 😖😩🥺😱

  • @rayndeigh
    @rayndeigh5 ай бұрын

    The good news is that since those are standard flower thrips keeping the plant in water for a while should stop them from being able to pupate (since they can't drop into the soil). They can obviously still hatch and wander, so you're smart to isolate it.

  • @rayndeigh

    @rayndeigh

    5 ай бұрын

    Also she should have refunded and probably paid for your beneficials, or at least split the cost or something.

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    good to know the type of thrips they were! Thank you!

  • @pinstripesuitandheels
    @pinstripesuitandheels4 ай бұрын

    Oh, you poor, poor girl! I had dissapointing plant mail a few days ago. I had ordered an Alocasia baginda "dragon scale" in a 14 cm pot from a webshop. Basically, a medium sized plant. The plant came damaged, dried out, in a pot a size smaller, decidedly less full than the one in the picture, and when I checked it, I discovered that it was actually two baby plug plants. The rootballs consisted of two roots the size of a finger. Not what I expect for a plant of the size I ordered. I contacted the seller, sent him pictures, and a new plant is on it's way!

  • @heathermc5557
    @heathermc55575 ай бұрын

    Holy moly!! Sooo frustrating for that seller to be so careless with the packing and the pests! Seems that they just wanted to pawn off on someone or a seller that has no idea! Melissa elegantly cussing 🤬 don’t blame you

  • @Droppingseeds7047
    @Droppingseeds70475 ай бұрын

    I'm saddened for you, but im glad you got a resolution that you are happy with. Be patient with the plant. ❤

  • @EternalBeautyy
    @EternalBeautyy5 ай бұрын

    Oh boy that is A LOT of thrips damage! Not just a little. So sorry 😢 That sucks

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    thank you 🙏🥲

  • @Laura-Ransan
    @Laura-Ransan5 ай бұрын

    I feel the same way, Melissa, I would have done the same and I would also feel the same. The "win-win" would have also brushed me the wrong way. All that you said about your thoughts and feelings is exactly how I felt watching this and putting myself in your shoes❤

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    She immediately went into defense mode and she probably thought I was trying to scam her. I had all the footage so that wasn't the case at all. The win-win statement wasn't necessary 😒 I've definitely learned so much from this experience 🤗

  • @Laura-Ransan

    @Laura-Ransan

    5 ай бұрын

    @@plantsbymelissa I think we all have learned. At least I have. Having just realized a massive infestation of thrips coming home from a holiday trip (also told you about this on Insta 😂) I know to be even more careful when bringing in a new plant.

  • @yolondarobinette3799
    @yolondarobinette37995 ай бұрын

    Those places on the leaves are where blooms come from. The growth point is that separate place you pointed at. Good luckI! It’ll be fine you got this!

  • @angelina.dejesus
    @angelina.dejesus5 ай бұрын

    Hahahaha 😂 “WTF IS THAT” I couldn’t relate more, darn thrips!

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    haha in my head I immediately knew what it was but I was like this cannot be real rn. I was just so disappointed 😔

  • @KC-gj4bi
    @KC-gj4bi5 ай бұрын

    Ughh I’ve been in your shoes Melissa 😖 sorry you had to go through this. This honestly makes me angry from private plant sellers. If you can’t properly secure a plant for mail and check for pests before sending that plant off you have no business selling plants.

  • @emoo2342
    @emoo23425 ай бұрын

    Rot AND thrips? Unacceptable. You deserved so much better. I hope that seller is being held accountable...still watching. Hope there is a decent outcome.:L I'm so sorry this happened. I was sent an alocasia with mealies from Green Escape and I've finally eradicated them after 3 months of treatment, quarantine, and repots--that sucked. I can't imagine being sent a plant with thrips.:c

  • @adriannagattuso5442
    @adriannagattuso54425 ай бұрын

    Dude this sucks. You handled it like a champ... i wouldve trashed the plant and the seller. I hope you find the same plant in person and the plant gods bless you for this shitty situation!

  • @Plantcrazelise
    @Plantcrazelise5 ай бұрын

    Oh my god, I'm feeling sooo bad for you now! 😕😢😢😢 But thank you for sharing it, I really learned much from it. Hope you update us on how you treated it, how it's going with the plant, if it spread to your collection, and how you handled it with the seller. I wish you good luck ❤❤❤

  • @carinaoakshott1086
    @carinaoakshott10865 ай бұрын

    I am so sorry this happened I recently ordered a philodendron silver sword and when it arrived 3 leaves had snapped of it only has one leaf and I was so sad but no thrips so now I feel grateful. I learn so much from your content thank you for sharing this x

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Sorry to hear that! 🥺

  • @classychictipz
    @classychictipz5 ай бұрын

    Sorry this happened to you Melissa! 😢 I've been collecting plants over 5 years. Before the pandemic, I ordered a rare plant from a well-known nursery. It was yellowing when it arrived. I lost half the plant within a few days. I contacted the seller, and they did ask me to ship the plant back for a refund. I didn't think anything of it because this was before the plant craze. I never ordered from them again. I did have exceptional experience from Gabriella Plants. The plant came wonky, and with no questions asked they sent me a new plant. Hopefully, that seller checks her collection for an outbreak before sending out more plants.

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    So sorry that happened to you!

  • @VierkaVasquez-ov2jp
    @VierkaVasquez-ov2jp5 ай бұрын

    You’ve always been my favorite plants heroine - I started my journey and have been following you since (over a year). You calm me down 🥰 But during this video I was like “WTF!, look at what thrips did to my inspiration!” 😳 Like, clearly I have never have them and now I am so afraid of them. 😭 Seriously: I am sorry you had to go through this and glad they refunded you fully. I’m not a professional seller but I’ve travelled with plants and even I have packaged them better than how your plant was packaged. But please don’t let this incident steal your peace any longer. PS. Praying I never reincarnate as a thrip, anything but that, at least not while we share this life simultaneously.

  • @sarahkalnajs5810
    @sarahkalnajs58105 ай бұрын

    Thrips are the WORST. I got a plant from someone that had Thrips on it and I found them within a day but ended up losing 80% of my collection because of that stupid plant!

  • @jeanniefenton5405
    @jeanniefenton54054 ай бұрын

    I had an outbreak of aphids likely from a plant I brought home and didn't check carefully enough, I battled them for a year, several plants died from the treatment, it was a nightmare. so sorry that happened to you

  • @tierrawilliams4849
    @tierrawilliams48495 ай бұрын

    I felt the anxiety when you find thrips. So sorry you had to go through that. You was trying out a new site and this happens. Hope this doesn’t make you feel like you won’t try again. Do as you need to treat the plant and make sure you collection is fine. It’s always something but we want and love our plants and if whatever needs to be done we do it.

  • @lisamiller3857
    @lisamiller38575 ай бұрын

    Here for the algorithm and good luck to you sis! If anyone can rehab and give this plant its best life it’s you!

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much!

  • @NicoleButler-jx9hg
    @NicoleButler-jx9hg4 ай бұрын

    I’m so sorry this happened to you! I had anxiety just watching this, like I’m sure a lot of us plant parents did. I hope the plant pulled through for you. Would love an update video.

  • @Novemberbabyyy_
    @Novemberbabyyy_5 ай бұрын

    The seller seems inexperienced and that perhaps contributed to the poor packaging and not being open to refunding your money. I think you handled this well and with grace and also stood up for yourself. This could have potentially been a disaster and that’s what the seller needs to be aware of. Quality of your product is pertinent!

  • @zandrawostel5868
    @zandrawostel58685 ай бұрын

    No one should ever sell a plant with thrips. She should've offered you a full refund and told you to just throw away the plant. This is so disheartening. I hope the rest of your birthday is better.

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you!🙏🏼

  • @angieyaeger2
    @angieyaeger25 ай бұрын

    You were generous for giving a 2 star review; this is definitely a 1 star experience! I am also grateful that you told us who the seller is because I will be sure to NEVER shop from her. She sounds like she's only in it for the money; playing dumb that she has thrips, and packages terribly. Honestly, who asks for the plant back in order to get a refund?? She "claims" she has never dealt with this before. People lie, obviously. smh so sad

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    I always let people know where/who I order from whether it's a known plant shop or not. I had no idea what was going to transpire. I was raving in the beginning about her and the communication. I thought she was so nice and kept me informed the whole time. Her response definitely showed me she only cared about still making a profit from this situation.

  • @AnitaDay-ne3zr
    @AnitaDay-ne3zr5 ай бұрын

    I'm so sorry, Melissa . I'm not sure when your birthday is, but try to have a good one. Try not to let this bad experience get you down. Sending hugs. When I saw it move around, I was jumping off my seat 😅 screaming ugh. My hubby asks what's going on, lol. I told him she had a bug on it 🤮 . I definitely know how you are feeling. I hope you get a renewed birthday wish gift . Wishing you the best ❤

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much! I will have to treat myself to a better plant purchase haha. My birthday is next Friday! I feel bad for the plant so going to try and save it after today when I checked on it.

  • @AnitaDay-ne3zr

    @AnitaDay-ne3zr

    5 ай бұрын

    @plantsbymelissa You are such good momma plants. I'm sure you could save her & if you do save her, you might give her a personal pottery made name, lucky. I think she better be of with you than the original owner. at least you might be able to give her life again. Anyways I wish you a happy birthday 🎂 🥳 I hope you have a good one. Go out & celebrate you deserve it. ❤️👍

  • @Nurse2sandoval
    @Nurse2sandoval5 ай бұрын

    I agree with you very upsetting to see how you were sent this plant so disappointing 😮. I’m glad you were refunded your money I already deleted her information definitely a professional seller. I am praying you can save it and I’ll be waiting to see how this evolves. Wishing you the best.

  • @Loveturtle5
    @Loveturtle55 ай бұрын

    Oh my God Savannah! My US dream city! Hamburg here! Melissa, just needed to say that I thought your response was more than justified and the handling after first class. Respect. I really did feel your pain! Dealing with a biblical thrip outbreak right now myself. And winter shipping woes to boot. Thanks for the very timely content!

  • @jackyorozco647
    @jackyorozco6475 ай бұрын

    Thank you for sharing this experience! I feel like if you wouldn't have made a video she wouldn't have refunded you. Making it right is giving you a full refund, or replacement plant. If it where anybody else I don't think the seller would have made it right. SO thank you

  • @XenaGL
    @XenaGL5 ай бұрын

    I think you did the right thing and your response and feelings are entirely reasonable.

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you! 🙏

  • @XenaGL

    @XenaGL

    5 ай бұрын

    @@plantsbymelissa of course!

  • @nofields9904
    @nofields99045 ай бұрын

    You are a superstar. I’d be out of my mind. That’s the main reason I’ve been afraid to buy from anywhere but the huge online nurseries. I try to learn from all you KZread people. So thank you for teaching and sharing.

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    I won’t be purchasing from random sellers anymore! Not worth it 😔

  • @houseplantfein
    @houseplantfein5 ай бұрын

    So sorry. I had this experience recently but it was fungal. I did ship it back to the seller but you are right. We shouldn't have to. I hope this didn't ruin your bday.

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    I'm so sorry about your experience! I never heard of sellers asking for plants to get shipped back. I guess they want to try and resell but you're definitely right! It's a live item so it's most likely just going to stress in the mail again.

  • @chokchokda3rd
    @chokchokda3rd5 ай бұрын

    Ugh so sad. Im looking at my pallidiflorum now and telling it how grateful i am for it

  • @Beautybysweetpea12
    @Beautybysweetpea125 ай бұрын

    I love the transparency in this video! We’ve all been there when you unpackage a plant and it’s not in the shape you expect. I would’ve reacted the exact same way. You should been refunded, the plant lost 50% of its leaves, another leaf was yellowing, It had root rot and thrips.

  • @sheiskaylinha
    @sheiskaylinha5 ай бұрын

    Honestly been loving seeing more and more of your personality recently! 🖤

  • @melissaanne4589
    @melissaanne45895 ай бұрын

    This is ridiculous. I hope you are able to save this plant and that the rest of your collection isn't compromised

  • @growingratitude-paulaf334
    @growingratitude-paulaf3345 ай бұрын

    Oh sweet girl! How dissapointing, frustrating and down right sad. As far as seller expectations, I have typically had 1/2 discount if I am keeping the plant to rehab and full refund if sending back for seller ro rehab. Wow, i hope your plant mail gets more successful and the rest of your Birthday goes swimmingly!!

  • @Serepin
    @Serepin5 ай бұрын

    And it started out so hopeful and full of expectation!

  • @Liliplantdiaries
    @Liliplantdiaries5 ай бұрын

    This is why I don’t like to order from random sites 😢 I’ve had too many issues in the past and when you reach out it’s always “oh this has never happened and I’ve never had these pests” sorry this happened to you Melissa.

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you! I'm definitely going to be more cautious with where I get plants from now. I really thought based off of her reviews and collection I was getting a happy and healthy plant!

  • @VeryKinkyCurl
    @VeryKinkyCurl5 ай бұрын

    Sorry to hear about that. As a seller and buyer, she not have argued, at the very least asked for a picture. Which may or not may not be mentioned in her policy. I would have refunded. Usually I would see if you want another (due to any pests I wouldn’t even ask), and or send a full refund and I as the seller would take the loss. That’s the game of customer service and folks seem to not know what that is any more. It’s truly a lost art in the business game. Not to mention, on the buyer end, wth should I go through the trouble of sending a plant back and paying for shipping on an item that should have been right from the get go. Thank you for sharing!

  • @jimpickens5936
    @jimpickens59365 ай бұрын

    I feel you. I recently got three succulents mailed to me and one had powdery mildew (killed the plants next to it too) and the other had barely any leaves but going strong for now

  • @AmericanaGardens
    @AmericanaGardens5 ай бұрын

    I’m disappointed and cringing just watching you deal with this plant! The plant was an absolute disaster. Sorry for you.

  • @Lillianv7
    @Lillianv75 ай бұрын

    Girl! I would’ve been just a pissed as you! But you kept putting your hair on the table and it was stressing me out! Glad you stood up for yourself and the rest of the plant community cause this is everyone’s worst nightmare.

  • @RainbowMonsterxx33
    @RainbowMonsterxx335 ай бұрын

    Systematics girl! Only way I got rid of them on some of my plants, so sorry you had to deal with this. Bought from someone locally recently and they had thrips on their plants so I understand your frustrations, I was so mad lol. You can even put some in the water the plants rooting in I’ve done it several times.

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thrips are no joke! I don't use systemics - imidacloprid can make spider mites multiple more rapidly and I prefer not to use them. You can get rid of thrips with beneficial insects + manual removal :D

  • @RainbowMonsterxx33

    @RainbowMonsterxx33

    5 ай бұрын

    @@plantsbymelissayeah the beneficials for me I can’t keep up with and they’re so damn expensive lol, different things work for different people though (:

  • @Animaxx010
    @Animaxx0105 ай бұрын

    This video is exactly the reason why I won’t buy plant online. Always go to my local nursery even though its limited variation of plants.

  • @lakishaharris4399
    @lakishaharris43995 ай бұрын

    I’m so sorry you experienced this. Thanks for sharing. I have never experienced thrips that I know of, but hearing others discuss it, makes me scared. You deserve a refund, and they really need to go through and treat all their plants before sending out anymore.

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you! Thrips are horrible because it can take awhile to get rid of them and they can do so much damage. It's just stressful all around. I hope she checked her collection and learned from this situation 😔

  • @sunflowerhillhomesteadaust7887
    @sunflowerhillhomesteadaust78875 ай бұрын

    I'm sorry you had such a stressful experience for your birthday, that was awful. I really hope you had some other nicer stuff to celebrate later xo My birthday is coming up too and I buy plants to cheer myself up for it - I'd be just as devastated if a special plant arrived like that. The packaging was RIDICULOUS, it needed a much bigger box, to be left in the pot so it could be zip tied to the box halfway up, then each leaf separated by polyfill and kept straight, not scrunched around the outside of a lump of fill like that, and then the whole thing protected with another layer. The thrips damage was obvious and there's no way she could have been unaware of that in her plants, if she genuinely is then she needs to take responsibility and stop selling while she deals with the problem. Similar situation to me a few years ago, I bought 2 laying hens who unknown to me but known to the seller imported a horrific disease to my chicken flock, took me a horrible year to get rid of it and a lot of birds died...I told the seller but she went right on selling birds even though she was still having the illness appear in her own flock. Really bad behaviour. Your seller should have immediately refunded you, without the stress, and removed all of her other plants for sale while she goes through and treats them to make sure she's not landing someone else with that situation. Happy birthday, I hope it got better!!

  • @rebeccahenderson7761
    @rebeccahenderson77615 ай бұрын

    Thrips - what a nightmare! I'd cut off the big leaf and not leave any chances for eggs. Just restart from the node. - Yeah, I used to dream of selling plants, but I don't think it's for me. I'm too much of a perfectionist and just can't stand bugs. My thrips are rising again in January :(

  • @adimurad9231
    @adimurad92315 ай бұрын

    My goodness I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through that! I’ve definitely had my fair share of plant mail fails as I do a lot of online ordering. The way she packaged that plant in the first place is truly just unacceptable but you handled this perfectly! ESPECIALLY considering you’ve received a plant with thrips! Did she have a lot of good reviews? That’s something I’ve learned to check before purchasing a plant cause it bit me in the ass when I didn’t look at reviews. If they don’t have any I just don’t buy. I’m too chicken to try.😅

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    The reviews were positive so I didn't have a reason to not buy it I guess. I felt confident because a lot of her plants seemed expensive too so I figured it was in good care and it would have been shipped with better packaging than that 🥲

  • @butterflymuse2707
    @butterflymuse27075 ай бұрын

    Ughhhhh that is horrible! :( I am so sorry. I mailed a strappy anthurium to a friend and I double insulation layered that bish. I had never mailed a plant before, but the person who received it told me the heat pack was still warm and it was packaged and protected perfectly, was even fixing to bloom. I would NEVER ship a plant with only polyfill, especially in the winter. Also, I’m a seller on Etsy (not of plants), and I would be absolutely mortified if someone received something from me with such a bad experience, omg, I would die of embarrassment. I have totally had to eat cost before whether through refunds or through full on replacing a product, it’s just the right thing to do (as you stated). And I have only ever offered to have someone mail something back to me once (a custom order they said they didn’t like), but they chose to keep the product so. Oh well, ya know? Anyway, I hope that seller pulls their listings and goes hardcore against thrips, I could absolutely not in good conscience sell something that I know was a problem. Customers don’t deserve that, ugh. If it helps and you want to replace it someday, I got my palladiflorum from Ecuagenera USA and he’s popping off with new leaves right now. Came in great shape. =) And they ship out of Florida.

  • @plantsbymelissa

    @plantsbymelissa

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much! You are an amazing person and friend for the way you packaged that plant! It shows how much you care! 🥺 I really hope her collection is okay and I wish her the best honestly. I feel bad for everything and going to try and move past this and save this poor thing. I will have to check out ecuagenera because I have been curious but never purchased from them before!

  • @butterflymuse2707

    @butterflymuse2707

    5 ай бұрын

    @@plantsbymelissa Ecuagenera US has higher prices than Ecuagenera itself (in Ecuador), and I can tell you that even with the import fee, usually the Ecuador shop is cheaper. It takes longer but I've had great luck with them. Depending on what you're after, the two have some of the same plants and also some different plants, so keep that in mind. The only plant I have had a serious issue with was an El Choco Red that was severely cold damaged but tbh I consider that to be on me for ordering in January in Pennsylvania lol, like it's not their fault I did that.

  • @oOOoOphidian
    @oOOoOphidian5 ай бұрын

    As a seller sometimes people will pull fraud and that makes you cautious, but this is so obviously an issue that was the seller's fault. It's insulting for a seller to take so little responsibility in this case.

  • @clearwaterbeachhomesearchm5957
    @clearwaterbeachhomesearchm59575 ай бұрын

    Sorry Melissa. I hope we have a fantastic plant update in 8 months.