How to Start a Fern from Seed

What You'll Need
Spores
Soil
Planters or pot
Water
Organic compost
Fluorescent light
Sheet of paper
What You'll Need
Spores
Soil
Planters or pot
Water
Organic compost
Fluorescent light
Sheet of paper

Technically speaking a fern seed refers to the spore which comes from an adult fern. This is due to the fact that ferns are seedless plants. Using the spores from an adult fern you can plant a new fern plant. This is what we shall be describing and explaining hereunder.

Step 1: Collect the Spores

Start off by collecting spores from adult ferns. These are the seeds required to start a new fern. Spores are miniscule and a good way to collect them is to tap the fern’s leaves gently so as to help them fall off from the underside of the leaves. Hold a sheet of paper underneath to capture the spores. Otherwise, you may try to purchase some spores from specialized gardening stores.

Step 2: Select an Appropriate Area Where to Plant

Afterward, you need to select the most suitable area to plant your ferns. With ferns adequate humidity and moisture levels are important. Ferns grow best when there are good levels of water in the soil and in the air. Another important aspect is to try to avoid areas which are exposed to direct sunlight. Hence, shady areas with moist soil are best if you will be growing the ferns outdoors. If you prefer to grow them indoors choose a room where there is no direct sunlight throughout most of the day. Make sure the pot is of a suitable size and that it will retain enough water to provide good humidity and moisture levels to the growing ferns. You may need to use fluorescent lights to provide a good source of light to the spores to grow but keep in mind to avoid bright light. Although it does not make much difference whether you opt to grow them indoors o outdoors, it is usually suggested to try to resort to an indoor environment if the climate is cold and frosty.

Step 3: Prepare the Soil

Ferns need rich and airy soil to grow well. If you think that the soil is not so rich you may try to add organic material to it by using some organic compost. If you are going to grow the ferns indoors, make sure to fill the pot with enough soil.

Step 4: Plant the Spores

Once the soil is ready you can plant the spores in planters, or else in the pot. Germination should take only a few days to commence.

Step 5: Daily Care and Examining

Make sure to monitor daily and to supply them with enough water to enhance growth. Ferns grow best when they have plenty of water to help them feed and grow. If you planted them outdoors you need to pay special attention to complications such as mosses, mold, insects and algae.

By paying special attention to humidity levels and the various other considerations described above you should manage to grow your own ferns from seeds. Remember that the first few days as young plants are the most crucial stages which need constant monitoring.