If you were living in the 19th century and needed to transport a plant via sea to the European mainland, taking a month, how would you package this plant? Have you ever attempted to cultivate plants in a confined space or used a glass conservatory? Then, one cannot ignore the "Wardian case."

The Adventures of Plant Hunters

Why did people embark on such journeys?

The collection of plants is inherent to human nature. One had to venture afar to discover new species of flowers and trees. Whether for consumption, medicinal purposes, wealth, or simply the thirst for knowledge.

Since the discovery of the American continent, interest in nature has grown exponentially, leading European countries to establish cabinets of curiosities.

Nobles, scholars, and passionate enthusiasts would procure shells, exotic stones, animal specimens, and plants from distant lands.

In the 18th to 19th centuries, naturalists embarked on sea voyages more frequently.

If discovering new plants marked the halfway point of success, the other half lay in bringing them back intact.

Initially, explorers dared only bring seeds, pits, bulbs, rhizomes, or cuttings. Plant roots and leaves would desiccate, sometimes turning into powder.

It wasn't until the age of the great geographical discoveries in the 17th to 18th centuries that the transportation of live plants became more common.

Until the mid-18th century, the primary source of exotic plants was the American continent, leading to the successful introduction of numerous new American species.

Initially, botanists transported plants in pots or boxes with rat-proof iron.

Later, plant protective devices were improved, with shrubs placed in tall wooden boxes with ventilation holes and small plants placed in baskets woven from willow.

Thus, plants for long journeys were placed in specially made wooden boxes or "plant houses," or even willow baskets.

Due to the premature start of long journeys before plants had settled, many plants perished en route.

Moreover, the need to repeatedly open boxes during the journey exposed plants to "salt spray" from the sea, tropical heat, humidity, or European waters' cold and moisture.

Additionally, sailors washed the deck with seawater daily, which would seep into the soil layer in wooden boxes, greatly endangering plant survival.

Even if some plants endured the above hardships and survived, they still faced attacks from rodents aboard the ship, which could quickly gnaw through wooden boxes and consume the plants.

Finally, despite all precautions, significant losses were inevitable. It was estimated that a thousand plants perished for every lucky plant that arrived in England.

The revolution in plant transportation occurred in that era.

In 1829, Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward, a surgeon living on the outskirts of London, was planting in his backyard. However, the air was heavily polluted by emissions from factory chimneys, sulfuric gas, and acid rain, making it difficult for many plants to survive.

By chance, Ward discovered that ferns grew well and reproduced in sealed jars. He then planted ferns in moist soil, enclosed them in sealed glass boxes, and cared for them.

Condensation formed on the inner walls of the glass, dripping onto the soil, creating a natural cycle of moisture, keeping the soil consistently humid.

"It came into this sturdy glass jar when it was just a seed, rooting and sprouting inside. Its glass jar lets in warm sunlight and offers a view of splendid scenery."

To his surprise, these plants escaped the city's pollution and thrived without watering, remaining unaffected for three years.

Subsequently, Ward used sealed glass boxes several times to transport plants back to England, which ultimately arrived safely in London.

In 1842, Ward publicized the technology for long-distance plant transportation and gave a lecture at the Royal Society.

The "Wardian case" came into being, also becoming an essential item for plant hunters' travels.

The Wardian case perfectly encapsulated people's longing for unknown plants from distant lands, revolutionizing the world of botany, plant exploration, and international trade.

The Fern Craze is an intriguing chapter in history, one of the most curious mysteries of 19th-century plant culture.

As for the mystery, no one can say for sure. However, one thing is certain: whether it was the onset of the fern craze or the subsequent orchid mania, the invention of the Wardian case played a significant role.

At that time, the price of a Wardian case ranged from 30 shillings to two pounds, not cheap.

Initially, enthusiasts of the fern craze were mainly gardening enthusiasts and botanists who used cheaper bell-shaped glass covers, which cost a few shillings but were sufficient to house seven or eight plants.

It wasn't until 1845, when the unfair glass tax was abolished, significantly reducing the cost of glass, that the curtain was lifted on the widespread fern craze.