Growing and taking care of ferns can be a fulfilling hobby for plant enthusiasts. Ferns are known for their leafy fronds and their ability to grow in different environments such as gardens, indoor pots, and hanging baskets.
Below are two methods of growing ferns: from spores and by division of an existing plant.
Growing Ferns from Spores
Collecting Spores
The first step in growing ferns from spores is to collect them from mature fronds. To do so, place a piece of paper under a mature frond and gently shake the frond to release the spores onto the paper.
Ensure that the paper is clean and free of moisture. Collect as many spores as possible as only a few will germinate.
Store the spores in a dry container, away from direct sunlight.
Planting Spores
After collecting the spores, the next step is to plant them in a tray with a growing medium. Fill the tray with the growing medium and spray it with water until moist.
Scatter the spores directly onto the surface of the growing medium. Do not cover the spores as they need exposure to light in order to germinate.
Place the tray in a well-lit area with moderate moisture. Cover the tray with a clear lid or plastic wrap.
It will take approximately two to four weeks for the ferns to start growing.
Caring for Ferns Grown from Spores
The germinated ferns need to be misted daily to maintain moisture levels. It is essential that the growing medium remains moist, but not waterlogged.
Too much moisture will lead to fungal growth, which can destroy the young ferns. The newly emerged ferns need adequate light to grow healthily.
Natural light is ideal, but if access to natural light is not possible, artificial light can be used. Keep the temperature between 60-75F (15-23C).
Remember to keep the ferns away from drafts of hot or cold air.
Growing Ferns by Division
Preparing Fern for Division
The best time to divide a fern is during fall or spring when active growth is observable. Remove the fern from its pot and examine the root ball.
Gently remove any dead or damaged fronds, and trim any long and ragged roots.
Dividing the Fern
The next step is to divide the fern. Look for natural separations such as shoots or new growths.
Using a sharp knife, cut the root ball into sections ensuring that each section has a healthy number of roots and fronds.
Potting Divided Ferns
After dividing the fern, plant the sections in new pots with potting mix. Water the newly planted ferns, and use a spray bottle to mist the fronds.
Be gentle when watering the ferns and avoid splashing water over the fronds, as water droplets on the fronds can lead to fungal growth.
Caring for Divided Ferns
The newly divided ferns need adequate light to recover and grow healthily. Locate the ferns in an area with indirect light or morning sunrays but avoid direct sunlight.
Misting the ferns and keeping the soil moist will help to keep the ferns healthy and fresh. Keep the temperature between 60-75F (15-23C).
Conclusion
Growing ferns can be an easy and rewarding process. Whether you choose to grow ferns from spores or by division, remember to provide them with adequate light, moisture, and nutrition.
Ferns are delicate plants that require care and patience, but the end result of having a beautiful, leafy plant is worth the effort. Growing ferns from stolons is another way to propagate ferns.
Stolons are runners that emerge from a mature fern and develop into new plants. This method saves time and is cost-effective when compared to buying new ferns.
Below is a detailed guide to growing ferns from stolons.
Using Stolons for Propagation
Stolons are a natural propagation method for many fern species. They are easy to identify and can be used to produce new ferns efficiently.
The first step in propagating ferns with stolons is to locate them. Fern stolons are thin shoots, often pale in color, that grow outwards from the base of the mature fern.
When identifying stolons, you should look for those with healthy green fronds. Use a sharp knife to cut through the stolon at the base of the mature fern, ensuring that the cutting is straight and clean.
After cutting, plant the stolon into a suitable growing medium. Many fern growers prefer to use rocks or a landscape staple to anchor the stolon in place.
The rock or landscape staple also comes in handy when the fern is ready for transplanting.
Caring for Propagated Ferns
Once you have propagated ferns from stolons, there are a few steps to follow to ensure they grow healthily. Like other ferns, propagated ferns require moderate moisture levels.
Ensure that the growing medium is kept damp but not waterlogged. Watering should be done regularly during dry spells, taking care not to cause rodent damage.
Propagation of ferns from stolons requires bright but indirect light. Preferably, find a sheltered location that receives early morning or late afternoon sun rays.
Be careful not to place the ferns in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves, affecting the overall health of the ferns. Cutting older fronds on propagated ferns helps to promote the growth of new fronds.
Use a clean pair of pruning scissors to remove any dead or dying fronds. Also, trimming back long fronds allows the fern to put more energy into growing new ones.
Propagation of ferns through stolons is an excellent way to multiply ferns. This method is not only cost-effective, but it also helps grow new plants that resemble the original plant.
Depending on the species, it can take at least a year for propagated ferns to grow to maturity and start producing their stolons.
Conclusion
Growing ferns from stolons is an affordable way to propagate ferns. Once you have identified the stolons, cut them using sharp knives, and plant them in a suitable growing medium.
Propagated ferns require moderate moisture levels, bright but indirect light, and care of older fronds. Fern growers will enjoy this method of propagating ferns and will delight in the result of multiplying ferns in their indoor or outdoor garden setting.
In conclusion, ferns are easy to grow and require moderate watering, bright but indirect light, and care of older fronds to ensure they grow healthily. Whether you choose to grow ferns from spores, division, or stolons, following these simple steps will ensure success.
As ferns continue to be a popular indoor and outdoor gardening choice, it’s important to note that with the right care and attention you are guaranteed to enjoy a flourishing garden full of vibrant ferns. Here are some common questions about fern care:
1.
How often should I water my fern? – Ferns require moderate watering, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
2. Do ferns need sunlight?
– Ferns need bright but indirect light so avoid direct sunlight that may scorch their leaves. 3.
Can I propagate ferns from spores? – Yes, planting spores in a tray with the growing medium can lead to germination and growth of the ferns.
4. How often should I remove dead fronds from my fern?
– It is best to remove dead fronds occasionally to promote the growth of new fronds. 5.
Can I grow ferns outside? – Yes, ferns are a great choice for outdoor gardens as well and can thrive in a variety of environments.