Question
I just received my ursulas red.  I opened the package. Only to find that it was bare rooted and frondless.  It looks like a dead thing.  I did some research here online and i found that japanese painted ferns are sent bare rooted and in there dormancy.  I potted it anyway. ( I live in zone 9)  But I am worried because ( although its only been 2 days) it is just this poor plant that looks like it was trimmed to the ground by a weed wacker.  Will it be ok?

Answer
Hi Tandy,
Thanx for your question.  I think your plant will be fine.  The first time I received ferns through the mail I was shocked at how dead they look.  It will take a week or more for the roots to become accliamted to their new surrounds and then send out the first fronds.  Be patient and keep your plant potted and I'm sure it will be fine.  This is normal.  I hope this helps.
tom