Ferns like to multiply on their own with their spores, which they mature in midsummer and let the wind blow away. But it takes a year until the first little plants can be seen! Here you can find out how propagation can be easier and faster…
Ferns are best propagated via spores, head cuttings, or by division
Divide the fern
Probably the most common and safest method of propagating ferns is to divide the rootstock. This procedure should be tackled in spring or summer.
First, choose a strong fern. Get him out of the ground! Then loosely shake off the clods of earth. Now you need a sharp and clean knife. This divides the rhizome down the middle. It is advantageous if each section has at least 2 fronds. After dividing, the rhizomes are planted in different places and watered.
Cut and plant cuttings
Furthermore, some ferns can be propagated by cuttings or head cuttings. This is only possible in those species that form above-ground rhizomes. It is best to carry out this propagation in early summer.
Thats how it works:
- Choose rhizome with existing fronds (grow better later)
- Cut off (aboveground) rhizome 4 to 5 cm behind the growing point
- place in pot with soil
- fasten with a clip if necessary
- moisten soil
- Put a plastic hood over it or check the moist environment every day
- Rooting time: 3 to 5 weeks
- plant out next spring
Use brood nodules to propagate
Other offshoots represent brood nodules. Some types of fern form these so-called brood nodules on the underside of their fronds. These include, for example, the royal fern, the writing fern and the shield fern. The brood nodules, which are used for reproduction, are usually located along the midrib of the fronds.
You have 2 different options. On the one hand you can remove the nodules from the mother plant together with a piece of frond. The whole thing is placed in moist soil and secured if necessary. On the other hand, you can simply bend and lay the frond with the brood nodules on the ground. After the brood nodules are rooted, they are separated from the mother plant.
tips and tricks
If you want to use brood nodules, you should wait until late summer. Only then are they mature.