Where are the spores and what do they look like?
Most Fern species show their spores on the underside of their fronds. Fern species like the king fern and the funnel fern form separate fronds that differ greatly from the other fronds, on the underside of which the spores are located.
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The spores are poisonous
All ferns are more or less poisonous. Their spores can also be dangerous. Inhaling bracken spores can lead to symptoms of poisoning in humans and animals. Therefore, if you are handling the spores, it is better to put on a breathing mask.
The spores are intended for reproduction
Ferns can also be cuttings, splits or nodules increased will. But in nature and without the help of humans, 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 of all, you need ripe spores. As a rule, they ripen in summer. Cut off a frond covered with spurs! Then place it on a piece of paper and wait a day for the spores from the capsules (so-called sporangia) to fall onto the paper.
Here are the ripening times of the spores of different fern species:
- Royal fern: May to June
- Peacock Fern: August to September
- Venus hair fern: August to September
- Shield fern: June
- Bubble fern: July
- bracken: July
- Worm fern: August to September
Sow the spores
This is how it works when sowing the spores:
- Spores on moist Potting soil to distribute
- Cover with a plastic bag or lid
- place in a warm, bright place
- ventilate regularly (to avoid mold formation)
- Keep spores moist
- after 3 months: formation of a greenish coating
- after 1 year: new plants
- possibly. prick out
- Grow 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.
