Content
Fern propagation is the process of breeding a spore-bearing ornamental plant at home. Initially, it was considered a wild plant that grows exclusively in natural conditions. Today, many summer residents are engaged in breeding ferns to create an attractive landscape design for their garden plot. Of the 11 thousand species, only 2000 varieties are considered domesticated, which are propagated not only naturally, but also by seedlings and shoots.
How do ferns reproduce in nature?
Typically, under natural conditions, ferns reproduce using spores or brood buds. During the entire life cycle of a plant, it goes through the sporophyte and gametophyte stages. Sometimes, as the root system spreads and new organisms grow, independent dispersal occurs through the reproductive branches. In such places, a prothallus appears, which originates in the place of the spore pocket.
The reproduction process is simple: sporangia are formed on the fronds, in which spores with a single set of chromosomes develop.After maturation, the spores are spread by water or wind. Ferns reproduce by spores only in favorable temperature conditions. Finding itself in such conditions, the shoot germinates and then attaches to the surface with the help of rhizoids. Subsequently, germ cells with sperm and eggs develop in the lower part of the plate. After full maturation, fertilization and the birth of a zygote occur. The embryo feeds from the germ until it acquires its own roots. Thus, a real shrub grows from an embryo or gametophyte.
How to propagate ferns in the garden
In gardening, several types of fern propagation are used: bush division, seedlings, spores, root buds. Previously, sporangia were collected for the purpose of ripening spores at home. The breeding process involved preparing planting material, which is stored in tightly sealed envelopes and planted in moist soil.
After planting, the tray with seeds is covered with thick polyethylene or glass to create the necessary microclimate. The first shoots appear after 20-30 days. Rhizoid green shoots are treated 3 times a day with an epin solution. Prothallium or fern seedlings are planted in separate peat cups, which will absorb excess moisture when watering. When the sprouts reach 5-10 mm, the seedlings are picked. Over 6 months, 3 transplants are carried out, then at the age of 8 months the fern is planted in a flower bed or flower pot.
An outdoor plant is planted by dividing a bush, which is dug up in early spring. They dig holes in advance, then divide the main bush into several small parts. Before planting, cut off the rotten parts of the plant and sprinkle with soil.Daughter bushes begin to develop after a week of acclimatization on the new land. This feature of fern reproduction is noticeable by the weekly lethargy of the branches, which goes away after rooting.
Planting material in the form of spores cannot always be collected on time or a quality product can be purchased in a store. However, seedlings may not grow if comfortable microclimate and soil conditions are not provided.
What conditions are necessary for the propagation of ferns?
Basically, comfortable conditions for the favorable development of the plant are high, controlled humidity indoors or moist soil outdoors. The optimal time to begin vegetative propagation of ferns is early spring with constant above-zero air temperatures. Planting bushes is also done in the summer after rain, when the soil does not require additional moisture. The fern does not dominate other plants, so it can coexist with various types of shrubs.
The less frequently the gardener plans to water the plant, the further into the shade the bushes are planted. The plant takes root and develops well in any type of lighting. When planting on the sunny side of the site, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the bush and soil. Rapidly withering branches are a clear indicator of a lack of moisture and vitamins. Effective watering, such as a summer shower after sunset with a shallow watering can, will make the fern lush and vibrant. It is worth noting that in the shade, ferns are more branched, while in the sun they grow in compact bushes with light greenery.
How to propagate ferns by dividing the bush
An effective way to propagate shrubs, which can be done in any warm season of the year, is to divide the bush. To begin with, the day before planting, the roots of the plant are generously filled with water. According to the description and propagation scheme, ferns are planted to a depth of 20-30 cm, although the planting hole is dug 50-70 cm deep. I fill the bottom with crushed stone mixed with substrate and fertilizers. The bushes are divided into 4 small parts so that the roots are not severely injured. There should be 2 or 3 rosettes left on each part of the plant. Rhizomes without growth buds will take a long time to take root or may not take root.
The roots are carefully spread over the substrate at the bottom of the hole, then sprinkled with earth. After planting, the fern is watered and sprayed with a diluted solution of phytoncides against insects. In the first year of growth, make a root circle for watering and mulch the roots with hay or large sawdust. If the leaves begin to turn yellow or become rusty, you need to fertilize them with compost or mineral fertilizer. Watering methods should be alternated: shower from a watering can 2 times a week and 1 root watering. Picking is done only when necessary, if the bush is not accepted or the soil is too heavy or acidic.
How to propagate fern by spores
Growing ferns from spores is a rather labor-intensive process of cultivating shrubs, which requires special care until the first transplant. Planting material is purchased in company stores, although you can do the process of collecting sporangia yourself.
Spores can be planted at any time of the year if planting is done to grow indoor ferns. Outdoor spore plants are planted in early fall or spring.The spores are scattered over the surface of the damp soil, then sprinkled with a 3-4 cm layer of soil. The bud is sprayed with a spray bottle and covered with glass and cling film so that condensation collects inside. After the first shoots appear, the covering is removed in the daytime, and when prothallium appears, planting is done in pots.
Before the first leaves form, the seedlings are kept under glass and opened for 2-3 hours. With frequent and moderate watering 2-3 times a week, the sprouts will quickly grow. A constant positive temperature of + 20-23 °C is required in the room. Wild varieties are more adapted to emergency conditions, but it is difficult to determine the time to collect sporangia in the forest. This is not the most effective way to propagate ferns, but with proper care and preparation of planting material, you can grow a healthy plant.
Is it possible to grow ferns from seeds?
Under no circumstances should fern spores be confused with seeds. Planting material is prepared independently. As soon as sporangia form on the lower leaves, trim several branches. The spore sacs will not have time to open, and when they ripen, they will be ready for drying. The seeds are removed from the sheets and dried under gauze in a room with low humidity. Fern propagation by seeds begins in mid-March or late April.
Seeds are planted in the ground when they can be crushed to the touch. The method of growing shrubs is almost no different from spore growing, except that the spores do not always germinate and most of the planting material dies at the stage of development to prothallium. In the first 2-3 months, watering is carried out 1-2 times a week.The minimum temperature for planting outdoors is allowed up to + 10 ° C, in the room up to + 15-18 ° C. At the age of 6 months, they are transplanted into new soil and fed with phosphates. At the age of 1-2 years, the bushes are divided into seedlings.
Conclusion
Propagating ferns is quite a fascinating and educational activity for those who like to decorate their own garden with lush greenery. The plant is unpretentious to growing conditions, but requires close attention at the stage of breeding and cultivation after planting. Timely fertilizing and water treatments will contribute to the favorable development of the fern. Lush and healthy bushes delight the eyes of summer residents and gardening enthusiasts.
