Can You Propagate a Fern? | Methods That Actually Work

Yes, nearly any fern can be propagated, and division of a mature clumping fern is the fastest, most reliable method for home gardeners.

The same tough plant that thrives on a shady porch or a damp corner of the yard can become several, with a little know-how and a sharp trowel. Whether you are splitting a Boston fern for a friend or trying spores from a rare staghorn, four solid methods exist: division, rhizome cuttings, bulbils or plantlets, and spores. Which one you choose depends almost entirely on the type of fern you have and how much patience you are bringing.

Division: The Quickest and Easiest Method for Most Ferns

If your fern has multiple crowns or a clumping growth habit, root division is the way to go. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends removing the whole plant from its pot in spring, then teasing the root ball apart into segments about 3–4 inches across. Each piece must have at least one visible growth point (a little knob where new fronds emerge) and a healthy chunk of root. Pot each division into its own container with standard potting mix, water well, and keep it shaded for the first week or two. A you will see new unfurling fronds within two to three weeks if the division took.

When Rhizome Cuttings or Layering Works Better

Some ferns spread via creeping rhizomes that run just under the soil surface or along the top of the pot. These ferns do not always divide cleanly into crowns, but a different tactic works. Pin down a healthy section of the rhizome — still attached to the mother plant — onto a pot of moist compost. A small rock or a bent paperclip holds it in place. The Exotic Fern Group calls this the most reliable method for many species. Within several weeks, roots will form at the contact point, and a new frond will push up. Once rooted, cut the new plant free from the parent.

Bulbils and Plantlets: Nearly Instant Plants

A handful of ferns — the walking fern and certain spleenworts are two examples — produce tiny plantlets on their fronds or at the base of the leaf stalks. These are essentially ready-made baby ferns. The RHS says you simply peel off the short leaf bases, clean them, and plant them about half an inch apart in sterilized compost with the attachment point facing upward. Cover the container with a clear plastic bag and keep it out of direct sun. Small fronds should appear in around three to four months. A you will see the first tiny green fronds break the compost surface. This method produces more plants per effort than division, but only works on species that naturally form bulbils.