1.How long do you ship?
Our order processing time is 1 to 3 business days.

2.I haven't received a shipping email/email confirmation?
Please note that when your order is shipped, an email is automatically sent to the email address you provide. Please check all folders, including spam, as these emails come from email addresses that do not respond. To ensure you receive the email, please add the domain name [email protected] to your safe senders list.

3.Can you confirm you have received my return?
We aim to process returns within 3-5 business days of receipt. You will be notified by email when the return has been completed. We recommend that you make a note of the delivery reference provided with your return. This will allow you to track your package at every stage of delivery, including when we receive it. If you have any questions regarding your return, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team by email at

4.How long will it take for me to receive my refund?
Once we receive your returned merchandise, our returns department will inspect and re-stock it. Once our returns department has done this, our system will automatically generate a refund to your original method of payment. This process usually takes 7-10 business days. Please remember to include your original invoice with your return or your refund may be delayed.

5.Why haven't you refunded the original shipping cost?
If you return an item you don't like and request a refund, we will refund the cost of the item only, not the original shipping cost. If you return a defective item for a refund, we will refund the original shipping cost and the return shipping fee.

6.Who pays for return shipping?
If you return an item you don't like and request a refund, we will refund the cost of the item only, not the original shipping cost. If you return a defective item for a refund, we will refund the original shipping cost and the return shipping fee.

7.Do you deliver on weekends?
No. We process orders and provide customer service on weekdays only.

8.Is shipping free on all items?
Yes, we ship all our items for free.

9.Can I track my items?
Yes. You will receive a shipment confirmation email once your order has been processed. This email will contain your tracking number and a tracking link that you can use to track the delivery information on the page in the tracking link.

10.When will my card be charged for the order?
The full cost of the order will be charged to the card immediately after the order is placed.

Welcome to Secretrees!
At Secretrees, we are passionate about cultivating ornamental, high quality greenery. Our brand stands for green, healthy and good mood.

The Golden Rule -Watering & Drainage

Geting the watering and drainage right is the keytothriving plants. 0verwatering is the most common maintenance mistake and probably the easiest wayto killaplant, The roots sit in excess water and gradually rot, taking away the plants ability to absorb nutrients and moisture.
The risks of ovenwatering can be reduced with good drainage.Thetraditionalindoor aproach uses plant pots with drainage holesin the bottom that sit in a saucer tocatch the excess water as it drains hrough the sol. This solution does imit the style of decrative potsyou canuse and may not achieve the interior design look you
want.
Modern decorative pots and planters comein alltypes of materlals from ceramic,natura,composite, metal and fbreglassto createthatwowfactor in their settingiypically, they do not have drainage holes and the materials are not alwavs designed to be waterproof
We therefore need to make sure the plant has good drainage and the decorative pot is protected from water and soi to keepit looking pristine and avoiding damage tofloors and furnishings.

Indoor Planting
Cache Pot & Saucer
Put a saucer inside the decorative (cache) pot and place the grow pot on thesaucer, if space allows. lf required, you can raise the height of the plant so it sitsbetter in the pot by adding some pebbles or hydro granules at the bottom of theplanter.
You can take the plant out of the decorative pot to water and drain in a sink beforereplacing or water in the decorative pot. The saucer will catch excess water whichyou may need to empty.

Cache Pot & Pot Liner
If taking the plant in and out of the decorative pot to water or empty excess waterfrom a saucer is not your thing. You can add a liner to the decorative pot and somedrainage material.
Pot liners are made from "squashy" plastic and come in different sizes to ht theinternal dimensions of the decorative pot, They can be trimmed down to size tocreate an unobtrusive barrier that protects the decorative pot and yourfurnishings.
VIEW PLANT POT LINERS >
Liners are ideal for taller planters and other situations where you want to raise theheight of the plant in the planter. Fill the base with packing material that will notcompress e.g. polystyrene foam and then place the liner on top at the right heightfor the plant.
Place a layer of drainage material e.g. small pebbles or hydrogranules on the baseof the liner. Hydrogranules are baked, expanded clay granules that absorb excesswater.
Sit the plant in the grow pot on the drainage layer. lf necessary add more pebblesaround the sides of the grow pot to provide additional support and hold the plantin position. lf you do excessively overwater the plant, you may need to refresh thedrainage layer occasionally to remove any stagnant water.

Repotting in a Pot Liner
lf you want a more harmonious look between your plant and decorative pot ratherthan simply hiding the grow pot, then consider repotting in a liner. Just followthese easy steps:
If you have a tall planter, fll excess void in the pot or planter withpolystyrene foam e.g. packing peanuts or broken up polystyrene pieces.Ensure that your void fll is a solid structure and will not compress overtime.
Insert a pot liner sized for the pot you are using and allowing for a drainagelayer of hydrogranules or pebbles at a suitable depth for the plant (typically2-5cm). Cut the pot liner to size with kitchen scissors for a neat line at therim of the pot.

Place the drainage layer of hydrogranules/ pebbles on the bottom of theliner.
Fill up the rest of the liner with indoor plant potting soil and insert the plantin it. Note: do not use soil from the garden or garden compost which maycontain disease.

Cover the surface of the soil with decorative stones or pebbles to suit yourinterior and give a flush fnish between the rim of the pot and the plant.

Hydroculture - The Ultimate Easy-Care Solution
Hydroculture plants have long been the choice of professional interior designers.
In hydroculture, plants are cultivated in hydrogranules rather than soil.
Hydrogranules are baked and expanded clay granules designed to hold water andnutrients and let it pass gently back to the plant roots. This means, no mess, no soilpests, no risk of over watering, less watering (every 4-5 weeks) and less feeding(every 4-6 months).
When watering the plant, the layer of hydrogranules at the base of the grow potand liner will act as a reservoir trapping and holding water and nutrients forrelease back to the plants.
The plant root systems are surrounded byoptimum moisture, nutrients and air inthe hydroganules, and adapt by becomingfleshier, with a smaller rootball thanstandard soil potted plants.This results in strong, healthy plants that are moreadaptable to planting in different sized containers, with limited need to repot asthey grow.
Hydroculture also allows you to mix plants that have different wateringrequirements in a single decorative pot because each plant will take what it needsfrom the hydrogranules.

lf you have a tall planter, fll excess void in the pot or planter withpolystyrene foam e.g. packing peanuts or broken up polystyrene pieces.Ensure that your void fll is a solid structure and will not compress overtime.
Insert a pot liner sized for the pot you are using. Cut the height of the potliner to size with kitchen scissors for a neat line at the rim of the pot,ensuring that the hydroculture grow pot will sit on the bottom of the liner atthe correct height for the plant.
Place the plant in its hydroculture grow pot on the base of the liner.

Place a water meter at the side of the grow pot for an accurate indication ofwhen to water.
Fill the surrounding space between the grow pot and the pot liner with morehydrogranules to create a uniform layer of granules on the surface. Whenwatering the plant, the layer of hydrogranules at the base of the grow potand liner will trap and hold water for release back to the plants.
lf desired. cover the surface of the hydrogranules with decorative stones orpebbles to suit your interior and give a flush fnish between the rim of thepot and the plant.

Dutdoor Planting
Qutdoor planters need drainage holes to allow rainwater to pass through andavoid water-logging the plants root system.
lf you plan to leave the planter outdoors all year, ensure that it is frost proof. Toprevent ice build up and cracking of the drainage hole make sure it is raised upfrom the floor, either by a recessed design or elevated on feet. Then follow thesesteps for easy planting:
Cover the drainage hole in the bottom of the planter with a felt layer orseparation-cloth. This will allow excess rainwater to drain through whilstretaining the clay hydro granules/pebbles in the bottom of the planter.
Place a layer of clay hydro granules in the bottom to act as a water reservoirDepending on the overall height of the planter, a layer approximately 10cmdeep should be suffcient. For tall planters you may need to fll the base withvoid fll using bricks or larger stones before adding the drainage layer.
We recommend using a felt layer or separation-cloth between the hydrogranules and the soil. To prevent soil leaking into the hydro granules but stillallowing water to pass up into the soil.

Fill up the rest of the planter with potting soil and insert the plant.
Cover the surface of the soil with decorative stones, pebbles or bark chips tosuit your style and help reduce evaporation in warm weather.

A complete guide to caring for bonsai for beginners
Embarking on a bonsai journey can bring the joy of nurturing and creating, but it can be overwhelming at first. Designed for beginners, this article will take you by the hand and show you how to learn every basic step in caring for your greenery. From watering tips and soil considerations to pruning and more, this guide is designed to give you a solid foundation that will take you from novice to confident bonsai enthusiast in no time. Bonsai trees are a beautiful and unique way to add a touch of nature to your home or office. However, caring for a bonsai tree requires some knowledge and dedication. Whether you're new to bonsai or looking to improve your skills, this comprehensive guide will help you understand the basics of bonsai care.

Choosing Your Bonsai
For newcomers to the world of bonsai, choosing the right species of tree is a fundamental decision that can greatly affect the success and enjoyment of your bonsai journey. It is highly recommended to start with species that are hardy and easy to care for, providing a forgiving entry point for newcomers to the art of bonsai cultivation.

Popular choices for novice bonsai enthusiasts include species such as ficus, junipers and elms. Known for their hardiness and adaptability, these trees are perfect for beginners. Their hardiness allows for a degree of forgiveness, providing room to learn and experiment without worrying that overly sensitive or fragile trees may require more advanced care techniques.

Additionally, the versatility of these species makes them suitable for a variety of environments. Whether growing bonsai indoors or outdoors, these trees will thrive with proper care. This flexibility offers beginners the option of choosing an environment that matches their living situation and preferences, whether it's a small apartment balcony or a dedicated outdoor garden space.

Essentially, choosing a bonsai variety that is hardy and easy to care for can be a positive and rewarding experience for beginners. It allows them to focus on the basic aspects of bonsai care, such as watering, pruning, and shaping, without having to face the additional challenges associated with more delicate or demanding varieties. As beginners build their confidence and skills, they can explore a wider range of bonsai varieties and techniques, expanding their appreciation of this ancient and artistic horticultural practice.

When choosing a bonsai tree, consider its size, shape and style. Bonsai trees come in a variety of shapes and styles, such as formal upright, informal upright, leaning, cascading and semi-cascading. Choose a style that appeals to you and suits your skill level.

Pots and Soil
Choosing the right pot and soil is vital to the health of your bonsai tree. The pot should have good drainage and be the right size for the tree. The soil should be well-drained and nutrient-rich, as bonsai trees need a lot of nutrients to grow properly. A mixture of terracotta, pumice and volcanic rock are common materials for bonsai soil.

Watering Tips
Proper watering is vital to the survival of the bonsai. Overwatering can lead to root rot and underwatering can cause the tree to dry out and die. The frequency of watering depends on the type of tree, size of the pot, and climate. In general, the soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. It is also important to water thoroughly to ensure that the water reaches all parts of the soil.

Sunlight and location
Bonsai trees need a lot of sunlight to grow properly. They should be placed in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it is important to protect the tree from extreme heat and cold temperatures as this can damage the leaves and branches. If the tree is kept indoors, it should be placed near a sunny window.

In conclusion, understanding the basics of bonsai care is vital for beginners. By choosing the right pot and soil, watering it properly, and placing it in a sunny location, you can ensure the health and longevity of your bonsai tree.

Maintenance and Care

Pruning
Pruning and trimming is an essential skill in bonsai care and helps to maintain the shape and size of your bonsai tree. It also promotes new growth and better branch structure. Pruning involves removing branches and leaves, while trimming involves cutting off shoots and buds. When pruning and trimming, it is important to use the right tools such as sharp scissors, pruning shears and wire cutters. The timing of pruning and trimming is also important, depending on the type of bonsai tree.

Changing pots and root care
Another important technique in bonsai care is pot changing and root care, which helps ensure the health and growth of the tree. Repotting involves removing the tree from its current pot, pruning the roots, and replanting it in new soil. This should be done every 2-3 years, depending on the growth rate of the tree. When replacing the pot, it is important to choose the right soil mixture, depending on the type of bonsai tree. Root care also includes regular watering and fertilization to ensure healthy and strong roots.

Fertilization Basics
Fertilization is vital to the growth and health of bonsai trees. It provides the necessary nutrients for the tree to thrive. When fertilizing, it is important to use the correct type of fertilizer, which depends on the type of bonsai tree. The timing of the fertilizer application is also important, which depends on the type of fertilizer used. Over-fertilizing can be harmful to the tree, so it is important to follow recommended fertilization guidelines.

Overall, proper maintenance and care is essential for the health and growth of a bonsai tree. By following these basic bonsai care techniques, beginners can ensure that their bonsai tree will thrive for years to come.

Pest and Disease Management
Bonsai trees are susceptible to pests and diseases just like any other plant. However, with proper care and attention, these problems can be easily solved. Here are some basic tips on pest and disease management for beginners:

Recognize the Problem
The first step in dealing with any pest or disease problem is to accurately identify the problem. Common pests affecting bonsai trees include aphids, red spiders, mealybugs and mesquite. Diseases such as powdery mildew, root rot and leaf spot can also affect bonsai trees. By identifying the problem, you can choose the appropriate treatment.

Prevention is the key
Preventing pests and diseases is always better than treating them. Good bonsai care practices such as proper watering, fertilizing and pruning can help prevent these problems. Keeping your bonsai tree in a healthy, stress-free environment also helps prevent pests and diseases.

Treatment Options
If your bonsai tree has a pest or disease problem, there are several treatment options available. Some common treatments include:

Insecticidal soap: this is a mild and effective treatment that kills many common pests such as aphids and red spider mites.
Neem oil: this is a natural insecticide that can be used to treat a wide range of pests.
Fungicide: can be used to treat fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.
It is important to follow treatment product instructions carefully and apply at the appropriate time. Some treatments may need to be repeated several times to be effective.

Caring for plants is an activity that requires both patience and care. Learning and adjusting by doing will allow you to gradually master the art. Why not start with small, easy-to-maintain potted plants and let the green life add a splash of color to your life? We hope this guide above will help you become a better plant caretaker and let your greenery thrive under your careful care.