My order of miniature ferns arrived today in good to excellent condition.One fer,whose variety I don't recognize, had been jostled out of place but showed no evidence of damage. There were no broken leaves nor bits of soil lying loosely in the shipping trays. And they ARE in a shipping tray with individual cup-shaped areas specific for the size of the tiny 2" pots. The plats were carefully wrapped and supported by a small diameter stake to keep everything in place.
Immediate examination by touch revealed slightly damp soil but not damp enough for the plant's best condition. Since the plants had been in transit through the mail during a time of extreme heat for the destination,this was acceptable.
A gentle attempt at top watering with slightly warm water, revealed the soil to be in hydrophobic condition by the water immediately draining out of the individual plants. This was addressed by a period of bottom watering in slightly warm water. The warm water permits a better absorption rate of the potting material and will avoid a sudden change in soil and plant temperature thereby attempting to lessen the impact of plant shock due to changes in environment. Being a strong proponent of bottom watering I was prepared with necessary equipment to do bottom watering. All 6 plants also received a gentle misting merely as an attempt to freshen the foliage and increase humidity.
All 6 plants are still in bottom watering containers and will remain there until the soil is sufficiently hydrated NOT Boggy. This will also provide an opportunity for close inspection for any pests or diseases before settling them into their permanent homes in terrariums. I hope these are truly MINIATURE VARIETIES of ferns and not just early growth for seedlings. I will try to post helpful updates regarding these little jewels of the plant world.