Propagation
Place spores on sterilised sphagnum moss, peat moss then cover with glass and keep moist. 4 to 6 weeks.

Divide established clumps (rhizome) during spring before the new growth appears.

Culture
This fern prefers slightly acid 6 to 7 pH and in some soils added limestone is required. The soil must be very well drained and kept moist but not wet. Allow it to dry out before re-watering and protect plants from excessive rain.

When grown indoors the plant requires bright indirect light with a minium night temperature of 7şC (45şF) and with low humidity about 40%. The soil mix is composed of 50% sharp sand and 50% leaf-mould and fertilise monthly from spring to summer.

Botanic information
Leaf: The dark green pinnate fronds have alternately arranged pinnae are oblong to orbicular up to 15mm (3/4in) long and have a leathery texture. The fronds are arching and trailing on a wiry purple-brown stipe.

Flower: The sori are produced along the recurved margins on the underside of the narrow fertile pinnae during summer.

Fruit: This plant is normally reproduced vegetatively from rhizomes.

The spores are produced in the sporangium during the sporophyte stage of the fern life cycle in rows on the back of the fertile frond. The spores are very small (like fine dust) and are released from the sori when mature and dispersed by wind or water.


General information for ferns
Temperature
The ideal temperature required for ferns ranges from 15.5ş to 22ş C (60ş to 70şF); above and below these temperatures the ferns tend to suffer.

Light
Naturally a fern receive bright dappled light and for successful growth around a home bright indirect light is preferred. Ferns do poorly if grown in the shade.

Water
Ferns require constantly moist, well drained soils but not wet or waterlogged as this promotes rot. Ferns like the water to pass by the roots regularly.

Humidity
Ferns need a humid environment and do poorly in dry air. Humidity may be maintained for potted plants by regular misting of the fronds or by placing the container above a saucer filled with water. In the outdoors maintain moist soils or in hot weather outside spray the area with a garden hose for a short period regularly.

Re-potting
Re-pot ferns when the roots have filled the container, preferable during spring and use a well drained loam based soil mix with added leaf mould. When planting, be careful not to bury the crown of the plant.
When fertilising, ferns prefer a little and regular liquid fertiliser during the growing period and this will improve pale fronds and weak growth.

Soil
Generally ferns prefer a heaver well drained soil type with ample organic matter tending acidic. Sandy soil types require regular mulching and heavy clay soils require the addition of gypsum and organic matter in conduction with cultivation to make it more friable. They will tolerate most soil types including granite or basalt based and some species are found in limestone base soils. All require organic material and moisture.