Parichand's Correspondence with The Mother

26 September 1938

Mother,

I could not start the transplanting of ferns as yet, but I should not wait any longer as the season is advancing. There are two methods for transplanting them. In both methods they recommend splitting up the fern clumps and planting them thinly, giving ample room for them to spread.

I have noticed that there are two kinds of growth, one like a bamboo clump and the other like the strawberry plant in which suckers are sent far off from the mother-plant. The ferns growing like a bamboo clump can be potted without entire removal of the old soil, but with the strawberry type I have found it impossible to do so. Last time I repotted a few of them by taking the plants out separately and trimming off all their dead stems, roots and broken leaves. Perhaps because of this they suffered a little longer, but after a few months they recovered. The long recovery period may be due to untimely repotting and a little rough handling.

Do You allow me to follow the above method? Or do You suggest any other method?

The only thing I insist upon is care, gentleness, consideration as you would have for a living being—for plants are living and they feel and suffer.

Blessings

26 September 1938