Leatherleaf fern

Infobox on Leatherleaf fern
Example of Leatherleaf fern
Facts
Origin	-
Stowage factor (in m3/t)	-
Humidity / moisture	-
Ventilation	-
Risk factors	See text

Leatherleaf fern

Description / Shipment / Storage / Risk factors

Scientific Name and Introduction

Rumohra adiantiformis. By far the most popular cut foliage for use in arrangements, with year-round availability and good display life. Leatherleaf fern is grown in shade-houses under sub-tropical conditions. The specific epithet adiantiformis indicates the similarity to the fronds of Adiantum, the maidenhair fern. The Greek "adianton" means unwettable - a reference to the fact that fern fronds shed water. It is probably the most commonly used floral green.

Quality Characteristics and Criteria

Avoid wilted or yellow fronds.

Grading and Bunching

N.a.

Ethylene Sensitivity

No.

Pretreatments

N.a.

Storage Conditions

1°C to 6ºC.

Packing

N.a.

Special Considerations

Frond curl or postharvest wilt is a disorder that occurs more frequently from July to November. The precise cause of this disorder is not known and it cannot be prevented at grower, wholesale, or retail levels. Water stress can make the frond curl worse; however, leatherleaf is very tolerant to water stress conditions when frond curl is not a problem. The use of some postharvest anti-transpirant (wax-type) dips can enhance vase-life but does not reduce frond curl. Dipping leatherleaf in plain tap water can reduce vase-life. The brown bumps (sori or fruit-dots) found on the back of some leaves (fronds) have not been reported to reduce life.


Sources used
BMT Consolidated Manual on (Dutch) Flower Bulbs, cut flowers/greens and potted plants.