Choosing the right packaging and postage can make a big difference to whether a plant cutting arrives safely. This guide covers suitable packaging, Royal Mail Letter and Large Letter sizes, postage options and practical tips for sending plant cuttings within the UK.
If you don't want to read all of this then the best advice is send most cuttings in a rigid box no more than 2.5cm thick using 1st Class postage.
Envelopes - Offers very little protection and are generally best avoided. Suitable only for flat, hardy, succulent leaves and seeds. Not suitable for soft-stemmed plants or anything likely to be crushed. If it's more than 0.5cm thick, it must be sent using Large Letter postage.
Padded envelopes - Offer slightly more protection but can still be crushed during transit. Suitable for small, robust cuttings. If it's more than 0.5cm thick, it must be sent using Large Letter postage.
Boxes - The recommended way to send cuttings. Most small postal boxes can be sent as a Large Letter and fit through a letterbox.
C4 - Approximately A4 - Suitable for large or multiple cuttings/plants.
C5 - Approximately A5 - Suitable for medium sized cuttings/plants
C6 - Approximately A6 - Ideal for most everyday plant swaps.
All three sizes can be posted using Large Letter postage as long as the packed box remains within within the Royal Mail size and weight limits (see below)
1st class postage is recommended for most plants. Royal Mail aims to deliver the next working day, although this is not guaranteed.
Price: £1.80
Maximum size: 24 x 16.5cm
Maximum thickness: 0.5cm
Maximum weight 100g
Up to 100g: £3.30
101–750g: £3.60
Maximum size: 35.3 × 25 cm
Maximum thickness: 2.5 cm
Maximum weight: 750g
Royal Mail aims to deliver within 2–3 working days.
Price: £0.91
Size and weight limits: the same as for a 1st Class Letter.
- Royal Mail aims to deliver within 2–3 working days.
Up to 100g: £1.55
101–250 g: £1.90
251–500 g: £2.40
501–750 g: £2.70
Size and weight limits: the same as for a 1st Class Large Letter.
There is also a long, narrow box style commonly described as DL, which can be useful for sending longer, thin cuttings. Check its external dimensions before buying, as sizes can vary between suppliers.
The prices above are Royal Mail’s standard stamp prices effective from 7 April 2026.
Rare or expensive plants should be sent using a more appropriate service, such as Royal Mail Tracked or Special Delivery, rather than ordinary 1st or 2nd Class.
Standard 1st and 2nd Class mail includes compensation for loss or damage of up to £20 or the item’s actual value, whichever is lower, subject to Royal Mail’s terms, exclusions and evidence requirements. Proof of the item’s value may also be required.
Compensation for live plants may depend on Royal Mail’s prohibited-items, restricted-items and packaging rules.
Keep acceptable evidence that the item was posted. When posting at a Post Office, ask for a free certificate of posting.
Prices and postal requirements can change. Check the latest information with Royal Mail before posting.