Contents
Fern propagation is the process of breeding a spore 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 of the 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 ferns reproduce in nature
Usually, in natural conditions, ferns reproduce with the help of spores or brood buds. Plants go through the sporophyte and gametophyte stages throughout their life cycle. Sometimes, with the spread of the root system and the increase in new organisms, independent settlement occurs through the sexual branches. In such places, a growth appears, which originates at the site of the spore pocket.
The reproduction process is simple: sporangia are formed on fronds, in which spores with a single set of chromosomes develop. Once mature, the spores are dispersed by water or wind. The fern reproduces by spores only in favorable temperature conditions. Getting into such conditions, the growth germinates, then it is fixed on the surface with the help of rhizoids. Subsequently, germ cells with spermatozoa and eggs develop in the lower part of the plate. After full maturation, fertilization and the birth of a zygote occur. The germ feeds on the growth until it develops its own roots. Thus, a true shrub grows from the embryo or gametophyte.
How to propagate ferns in the garden
In horticulture, several types of fern propagation are used: bush division, seedlings, spores, root buds. Previously, they collected sporangia in order to ripen spores at home. The breeding process consisted in the preparation of planting material, which is stored in tightly sealed envelopes and planted in moist soil.
After planting, the seed tray is covered with dense polyethylene or glass to create the necessary microclimate. The first shoots appear after 20-30 days. Shoots from rhizoidal greens are treated 3 times a day with a solution of epin. 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 dive. For 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.
The outdoor plant is planted by dividing the bush, which is dug up in early spring. Holes are dug in advance, then the main bush is divided into several small parts. Before planting, cut off the rotten parts of the plant and sprinkle with earth. 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 is not always possible to collect on time or purchase a quality product in a store. However, seedlings may not grow if you do not provide comfortable microclimate and soil conditions.
What conditions are necessary for the reproduction 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 start vegetative propagation of ferns is early spring with a constant positive air temperature. The planting of bushes is also done in the summer after rain, when the ground does not require additional moisture. The fern does not dominate third-party plants, therefore it can coexist with various types of shrubs.
The less often the gardener plans to water the plant, the further the bushes are planted in the shade. The plant takes root and develops well in any kind of lighting. When planting on the sunny side of the site, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the bush and the soil. Quickly withering branches are a clear indicator of a lack of moisture and vitamins. Effective watering like a summer shower after sunset from a shallow watering can will make the fern lush and bright. It is worth noting that in the shade the ferns are more branched, while in the sun they grow in compact bushes with light greens.
How to propagate a fern by dividing a bush
An effective way to propagate a shrub, 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 abundantly poured with water. According to the description and breeding 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.
On the substrate at the bottom of the hole, the roots are carefully straightened, then sprinkled with earth. After planting, the fern is watered and sprayed with a diluted solution of phytoncides from insects. In the first year of growth, a root circle is made for watering and the roots are mulched with hay or large sawdust. If the leaves begin to turn yellow or rust, you need to fertilize with compost or mineral fertilizer. Watering methods should be alternated: a 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, acidic.
How to propagate fern spores
Growing ferns from spores is a rather laborious process of cultivating a shrub, 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 for growing indoor ferns. Outdoor spore plants are planted in early autumn or spring. Spores are scattered over the surface of moist soil, then sprinkled with a 3-4 cm layer of earth. The kidney is sprayed from a spray gun and covered with glass, cling film so that condensate collects inside. After the appearance of the first shoots, the cover is removed in the daytime, and when the prothallium appears, they are planted in pots.
Before the formation of the first leaves, 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. The room requires a constant positive temperature of + 20-23 °C. Wild varieties are more adapted to emergency conditions, but it is difficult to guess the time to collect sporangia in the forest. This is not the most efficient way to propagate a fern, but with proper care and preparation of planting material, a healthy plant can be grown.
Is it possible to grow a fern from seeds
In no case should you confuse fern spores with seeds. Planting material is prepared independently. As soon as sporangia are formed on the lower sheets, several branches are pruned. Spore sacs will not have time to open, and when they are ripe, they will be ready for drying. Seeds are removed from sheets and dried under gauze in a room with low humidity. Fern seeds begin to propagate in mid-March or late April.
Seeds are planted in the ground when they can be crushed to the touch. The method of growing a shrub is almost no different from the spore one, except that the spores do not always germinate and most of the planting material dies at the stage of development before the prothallium. In the first 2-3 months, watering is carried out 1-2 times a week. The minimum temperature for planting on the street is allowed up to + 10 ° C, in the room up to + 15-18 ° C. At the age of 6 months, a transplant is made into a new soil, fed with phosphates. At the age of 1-2 years, the bushes are divided into seedlings.
Conclusion
Propagation of ferns is quite an exciting and educational thing 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 growing after planting. Timely feeding and water procedures will contribute to the favorable development of the fern. Lush and healthy shrubs delight the gaze of summer residents and gardening enthusiasts.