fern spore

[jeff]

I try now to cultivate some tropical fern from sowing spores.

have you a method ?

jeff

[stevestewart]

Hello Jeff,

It depends on the genus of ferns you wish to grow!

Spores can easily be harvested by placing a freshly cut mature fertile frond in a paper bag and keeping over night, or for a couple of days in a warm dry atmosphere. The dehiscent spores can then be sprinkled on the desired media.

I have grown Cyathea "Caribbean tree ferns" (and many others) from spore on moist milled Sphagnum, sown in standard flats, wrapped with clear plastic wrap. Large numbers of plants can be grown this way.
If few plants are wanted, fewer spores sown in enough media to fill a petri dish will suffice.

Some genera such as Adiantum "Maiden hair ferns" seem to need basic media, and I have had success germinating spores on small lava rock (red or black), kept moist, in the same conditions that I keep the milled Sphagnum. The growing lava rocks can then be placed in the middle of the desired pot filled with growing media.

I have found that many ferns, like Pteris "Table ferns", can be started from spores on nutrient rich humus. Many fern species can be obtained by "weeding" them from other pots of desired carnivorous plants.

Fern allies such as Psilotum, Lycopodium and Isoetes can be grown from spore also. Each type have unique requirements for growing.

Take care,
Steven Stewart

[jeff]

many thanks

I want to grow Lecanopteris spores ( ant fern from the South East Asia)

JEFF

[Brian Barnes]

Hi Jeff,

Excellent! Please keep us informed on your successes with this wonderful fern....

Happy Growing,

Brian.