If you just walk past the ferns, you won't be able to see the spores. They are hidden. Below you will find out why they are so important.
How do I propagate a fern using spores?
Fern spores are essential for plant reproduction and are usually found on the underside of the fronds. To propagate a fern using its spores, you need mature spores that are sown in moist potting soil and cultivated under suitable conditions.
Where are the spores and what do they look like?
Most fern species display their spores on the underside of their fronds. Fern species such as the royal fern and the funnel fern form separate fronds that are very different from the other fronds and have the spores on the underside.
The spores are poisonous
All ferns are more or less poisonous. Their spores can also be dangerous. Simply inhaling bracken spores can cause symptoms of poisoning in humans and animals. Therefore: If you handle the spores, it is better to put on a breathing mask (€30.00 on Amazon).
The spores are intended for reproduction
Ferns can also be propagated via cuttings, division or brood bulbs. But in nature and without human help, these plants always reproduce via their spores. They ripen between June and November and are spread by the wind.
How to propagate a fern using its spores
First you need mature spores. They usually ripen in summer. Cut off a frond covered in spores! Then place it on a piece of paper and wait a day until the spores from the capsules (so-called sporangia) have fallen onto the paper.
Here are the ripening times of the spores of different fern species:
- King fern: May to June
- Peacock Orb Fern: August to September
- Venus Hair Fern: August to September
- Shield fern: June
- Bubble fern: July
- Bracken: July
- Worm fern: August to September
Sowing the spores
This is how you sow the spores:
- Distribute spores on moist potting soil
- cover with plastic bag or lid
- place in a warm, bright place
- ventilate regularly (avoid mold formation)
- Keep spores moist
- after 3 months: formation of greenish coating
- after 1 year: new plants
- if applicable prick
- raise in a pot and plant out from May
Tips & Tricks
Check whether the spores are ripe: Run your finger over the spore capsules. If you then have dust on your finger, the spores are ripe.
