What are ferns?
Ferns are unique and fascinating plants that have attracted human attention for centuries. They are known for their unique physical features, such as their leaves and their reproductive structures, the spores, which are often found on the underside of the leaves. There are over 10,000 species of ferns, each with their own unique characteristics and habitats. In the wild, ferns grow in forests, along streams and waterfalls, and in other moist, shady areas. In gardens and indoors, ferns are often used to add atmosphere and texture to the environment.
Ferns have played an important role in human culture for centuries. In many cultures, ferns are believed to have healing properties and are used to treat headaches and respiratory problems, for example.
Ferns are also rich in nutrients and used as a food source in many parts of the world. Ferns are special plants that have attracted people's attention for centuries. With their unique physical characteristics and cultural significance, ferns have become indispensable in today's world.
How are ferns made?
Growing ferns is roughly done in 3 steps. First the sowing, then the transplanting and finally the potting.
Zaaien
We call it 'sowing' for convenience, but you don't actually sow a fern. Ferns produce spores from which the plant reproduces.
The spores are on the underside of a mature fern and they are collected by cutting off a leaf with mature spores and letting it dry.
In the nursery, the ferns are sown in so-called seed trays. After a few weeks, the prothallia begins to form, the green layer that can be seen in the photo. The first fronds emerge from this.
Transplant
When the fernleaves are big enough, it's time to transplant the ferns. Transplanting is transferring the plants from a seed tray to a tray. This is done with a machine and with more difficult species by hand.
100 to 250 small ferns fit in a tray. The ferns are starting to root in the tray. When they are large enough they can be delivered to customers who grow them further or they are potted.
Oppotten
Na het verspenen moeten de varentjes nog een aantal weken doorgroeien en wortelen. Wanneer dit is gebeurd kunnen de plantjes worden opgepot.
Als de varens eenmaal opgepot zijn is het een kwestie van tijd en geduld voordat ze geleverd kunnen worden.
Bij Plantje van Mandje is het dan tijd om ze op de foto te zetten en aan te bieden op de website!