Propagating indoor ferns

It is possible to propagate ferns all year round however spring being the most ideal time, when there is perfect sunlight and humid air. Ferns can be propagated in seeding compost.

Irrigate the seedlings and make sure that they remain moist. Place the pots in a position with temperatures between 20-25`C. Make sure that the site is well aerated and is not in direct sunlight. Ferns require high humidity for them to grow well and you can ensure that the site is humid by bending rust-proof wire into a arch, then pushing the ends of the wire into the pot. Place a transparent plastic bag over the pot then tie it up well.

Slowly harden off the new plant when new fronds have developed. Hardening can be done by taking away the plastic from the pot. Add fertilizer in lower doses.

Dividing ferns

This is ideal for ferns which spread over the surface of the pot and those that form short shoots for example maidenhair fern (Adiantum) and Nephrolepis.

Method

The plant that is to be divided is carefully removed from the pot and then cut through the rootstock creating 2 individual parts which have both a vegetative point and roots. New fronds will grow from the vegetative points. Its is very important and if its not available the fern will fail to grow. Remove any dead roots and leaves and plant the new pieces in individual clean pots.

Rhizome cuttings

  • Davallia which has rhizomes that grow above the ground allow cutting points to be easily identified. However underground rhizomes have less easy to identify cutting points. You can:

  • Ct the rhizome into independent sections using a sterile knife. Ensure that each cut part has numerous bulbils. Fronds will develop from these bulbils and are slightly swollen

  • Sections of rhizomes that developed underground must be covered with compost as they were before the rhizome was cut.

  • Rhizomes that grew above the ground must be laid on the compost and pinned down with a rust-roof wire clamp

Propagating from shoots

Nephrolepis normally develops shoots from horizontal axils. As soon as the shoots come into contact with the soil, they develop roots and new plants are formed from their bulbils. Root development can be promoted by placing a pot of compost next to the fern and then using clamps to fix its shoots onto the composts. Separate the young plants from the parent plant when they develop fronds.

Offset plantlets

It is very common to propagate ferns using vegetative propagation. Tiny plantlets develop on the parent plant from the bulbils. The plantlets produce shoots when they come into contact with the soil.