Wholesale ordering · Step 03 of 07

Step 3: Confirm Plant Sizes and Specifications

This step turns “a plant like this” into an agreed specification. Measurements, growth stage and presentation are confirmed separately, so the quotation describes what you intend to receive.

Two potted Anthurium plants beside a ruler showing plant height — A ruler makes the measurement method visible when confirming size. Photo: our previous company website.

You provide

Required measurements and acceptable ranges
Rooting and pot or bare-root preferences
Any individual specimen selection

We confirm

How each dimension is measured
Quantity by variety and size band
The presentation included in the offer

Before the next step

Size terms use a consistent measurement method
Root and pot format are recorded
Quantity and substitution rules are clear

Define the dimensions that matter

For a cactus, height and body diameter can matter more than the nursery pot label. For a caudiciform, caudex diameter, exposed base height, branching and overall form may all influence selection. State the dimensions relevant to your business and ask where the measurement starts and ends. Plant height excluding the pot is different from total height including the pot; maximum width is different from stem diameter.

Agree a range or a selected specimen

Batch orders usually need a practical size band rather than identical measurements for every living plant. Agree the allowed range and any exceptions before pricing is finalized. For an individual specimen, match its selection photo and item reference to the offer. If several grades are required, give each grade its own quantity. Do not treat a representative nursery image as a promise that every plant has exactly the same shape.

Tree trunks with root balls grouped in a plant preparation area — Root format and plant presentation affect handling and the later packing plan. Photo: our previous company website.

Confirm roots, pots and growth stage

Record whether plants are rooted, supplied with an agreed root format, or proposed for bare-root preparation. Where pots are included, state the pot size and whether that pot is expected to travel with the plant. Ask whether the offer concerns young material for further growing or a more developed presentation. These choices affect weight, protection and packing, so they should be settled before the freight discussion.

Keep an approved specification sheet

Combine the selected plant name, size band, quantity, reference photo and root or pot format in one approved list. Include any permitted alternatives and any features that require your separate approval. When a line changes, update the written version before proceeding. Step 4 then uses this specification to discuss suitable protection and destination paperwork; Step 5 uses it to prepare itemized prices.

An example of an agreed specification

Plant identity: Record the accepted botanical name or selected reference, plus the variety or form when relevant. Do not use an inspiration image as the only identification.
Measurement method: Specify height excluding pot, body diameter or caudex diameter as applicable. Add the agreed minimum and maximum rather than an undefined “medium size.”
Presentation and quantity: State rooted or agreed bare-root format, pot retention, quantity for the size band and any individually selected specimen reference.
Approval record: Attach the agreed photograph or measurement view and confirm the list revision. These fields can then be checked directly against the quotation.