The male fern - its effectiveness against snails is probably just as little known as the processes involved in its reproduction. A generational change is crucial here.

Male fern reproduces via spores

The male fern and the cycle of its development

All ferns go through a cycle in their development. So does the worm fern. It belongs to the vascular spore plants that reproduce not by seeds but by spores. The spores of male ferns are on the underside of its fronds. They usually mature during the summer. They mark the beginning of the generation change…

What does generational change mean?

This term means that sexual and asexual reproduction alternate from one generation to the next. This is necessary for new fern plants to emerge. This process usually takes around 1 year.

The first generation

In the first generation, the (pro-)nucleus forms. It contains seeds that house male and female cells. But from the beginning:

  • 1. Spore capsules emerge
  • 2. mature in summer
  • 3. rip open and hurl their spores to the ground
  • 4. after many weeks and warm and humid conditions, the spores germinate
  • 5. Pre-germ can be recognized by a greenish coating

The second generation

The male and female sex cells form on the greenish coating. Now the second generation begins, sexual reproduction or fertilization. It is important that it is moist and shady. Then the male genitals can easily reach the female genitals, the egg cells, in a floating manner. After they have been fertilized, new fern plants develop.

Take propagation into your own hands

You can also take the propagation into your own hands. All you need is a frond of a male fern covered with mature spore capsules. Cut this frond and place it on paper. After the spores fall off, you can sow them on moist soil.

tips and tricks

This propagation requires patience. It usually takes up to 1 year for new fern plants to develop from the spores. If you want to propagate your male ferns, you should prefer other methods.

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Vegetable garden