C-Fern spores can be evenly spread in Petri dishes by using nickel-chromium wire (ca 0.64 mm) in an inoculation loop holder. Nickel-chromium wires can be repeatedly flamed to achieve surface-sterilization. This thinner wire gives superior results compared to using thicker plastic or metal spreaders. However, if you take care, thicker spreaders will work – even a bent paperclip works!
