A Detailed Explanation of Fern Propagation Methods and Division Propagation Techniques

Fern division propagation methods: apart from normal spore reproduction, the roots, rhizomes and leaves of ferns can all produce new plants from asexual buds and apical meristems, so different propagation methods should be adopted according to the different types of ferns.

Division propagation is the most commonly used and most effective method of asexual propagation for ferns. This method is mainly suitable for species with creeping stems or clump-forming species. The division process is very simple: after digging out the fern, use a sharp tool to divide it into two or more independent plants. Each small plant must have at least 1 bud, and enough rhizome must be left on the mother plant for it to grow. The underground stem of the hime fern spreads very quickly, so it can be divided in early spring to early summer when new buds appear. In plants of the family Davalliaceae, the roots are always exposed on the surface of the growing medium, so you only need to cut off a portion with sufficient roots and new buds, appropriately trim away old leaves, and plant it in leaf mold; it will quickly grow new roots and new leaves.

Ferns with aerial roots, such as the oakleaf fern (Drynaria), mostly grow in clusters attached to tree trunks or rocks; their rhizomes are thick and fleshy and can store water, so when dividing them you must ensure there are enough roots. For ferns with clumping or upright rhizomes, such as Dryopteris and Athyrium, you can use a sharp blade to cut them into two and plant each part separately. Some special ferns, such as the staghorn fern (Platycerium), grow small plantlets on the roots or rhizomes; after these have grown shield fronds, use a knife to cut the small plantlet off at its oldest shield frond together with part of the basal fern fronds, fix it with wire onto a snake-board or a rotting wooden board, and keep humidity high so it resumes growth.

Plants after division all need careful care to help them grow new roots. Each part should have excessively large roots, dead leaves, leaf stalks and injured parts trimmed off, then be planted in a well-drained substrate and given appropriate shade, with temperature and humidity maintained. In particular, protect the new fiddleheads and the small unopened leaflets; with careful care they will quickly resume growth.

How to grow ferns: fern division propagation methods

Ferns are woody plants that grow in lowlands. They need water as part of their reproductive cycle and have evolved into many different species; even today they remain an extremely vital group of plants. Ferns have a life cycle with alternation of generations, cycling between the diploid sporophyte and the haploid gametophyte.

The typical life cycle of a fern is: the sporophyte produces haploid spores through meiosis; the spores form a gametophyte through cell division; the gametophyte produces reproductive cells through mitosis; motile, flagellated sperm fertilize the egg, which is still attached to the prothallus; the fertilized egg forms a diploid zygote and grows into a sporophyte through mitosis.

How to grow ferns

Different ferns have different suitable growing regions, and varieties selected from different regions have different adaptability. For example, the pH of the soil is very important for fern growth. Most ferns need an acidic growing environment; if this is overlooked, their growth will be affected. For instance, Osmunda japonica is suited to growing in slightly acidic soil, so it is very easy to grow in the south. However, because water in the north tends to be alkaline, if you want to grow it well you need to treat the water, otherwise it will get worse and worse as it grows.

Division propagation

Division propagation means taking the plant out of the pot and, as needed, dividing one plant into several plants, each of which must have roots and leaves. Be careful when dividing, and by no means damage the growing points; keep as much soil around the roots as possible. Cut off aged and damaged leaves and roots. Replant the divisions at the original soil level and water them. Division propagation has no strict seasonal requirement; if needed, it can be done in all four seasons.

The above is the relevant introduction in this article. I believe that after reading it you also have a simple understanding of this. If you need more, you can continue to follow No.1 Home Network to learn more information.

Fern propagation methods and propagation techniques

[Common questions] Fern propagation methods and propagation techniques

[Expert answer]

Fern propagation is divided into several methods, including spore propagation, division propagation, cutting propagation, planting of adventitious buds, and tissue culture.

1. Spore propagation

The spores of ferns are mostly produced in sporangia on the underside of the leaves. When the spores begin to be released, cut off the leaves together with the spores and put them into a paper bag. To avoid damaging the leaves, you can also cover the leaves with a clean new paper bag or plastic, and tap lightly so that the spores fall into the bag. After collection, sow them as soon as possible, because the fresher the spores, the higher the germination rate and the faster the germination. To stimulate spore germination, before sowing they can be treated with a 300 mg/L GA3 solution for 15 minutes. The seedling soil is mostly prepared by mixing leaf mold, peat soil, river sand, etc. The commonly used formula is leaf mold, loam soil and river sand mixed in a 6:2:2 ratio. All the above raw materials must be sifted, mixed evenly, and steam-sterilized before use. In addition, the seedling containers used for sowing must also be disinfected. After sowing, the temperature should be controlled at 25, air humidity above 80%, and light for more than 4 hours per day. From sowing to leafing takes 2 to 3 months. When the sporophyte has grown 3 to 4 leaves, transplant it, still using the mixed soil as the substrate; when the seedling is 10 to 15 cm tall, plant it into a flower pot. Spore propagation has strict technical requirements and needs a high-temperature, high-humidity environment. All items, including containers, planting materials and the indoor room, should be strictly disinfected and kept clean and hygienic. In dry summer seasons, the room must be kept humid.

2. Division propagation

Generally carried out in spring together with repotting. Take the plant out of the pot and, as needed, divide one plant into several plants, each of which must have roots and leaves. Be careful when dividing, and by no means damage the growing points; keep as much soil around the roots as possible. Cut off aged and damaged leaves and roots. Replant the divisions at the original soil level and water them. Division propagation has no strict seasonal requirement; if needed, it can be done in all four seasons.

3. Cutting propagation

Some ferns can root from leaf cuttings and can be propagated by this method. Take leaves and insert them into a sand bed; after rooting, move them into a container for cultivation, and after they become seedlings, plant them in pots.

4. Planting of adventitious buds

Some ferns, such as Asplenium and Microlepia, can grow young buds in the leaf axils or on the leaves, and the young buds can be directly removed from the mother plant for cultivation. Mix river sand and peat soil in a 1:1 ratio as the substrate, bury half of the young bud in the substrate, and it is best to treat the wound with a fungicide to prevent rot. Water thoroughly and cover with glass.

5. Tissue culture

For species that produce few spores or no spores and for which propagation by spores is difficult, or to rapidly expand propagation of rare and valuable species, tissue culture can be used for rapid in vitro propagation. To carry out large-scale modern commercial production, tissue culture is also needed for propagation.

[Editor's comments] There are many kinds of ferns, but their propagation methods are all similar and generally do not go beyond the 5 propagation methods introduced to you above by the First Agricultural Economics editor. As for how exactly to cultivate them, I hope this article will inspire you. Thank you for your attention to First Agricultural Economics, and see you in our next article!