Propagation
Divide rhizomes in to lengths during growing period. Plant upwards in well drained moist soil, apply bottom heat.

Place spores on sterilised sphagnum or peat moss then cover with glass, keep moist for 4 to 6 weeks maintaining a temperature of 16ş C (61ş F), with indirect light.
Cleanliness is essential during the propagation process.

Botanic information
Leaf: The leathery textured erect to semi indirect mid-green linear-oblong to lanceolate fronds are up to 1200 mm (4 ft) long by 100 mm (4 in) wide with an obtuse apex and a narrow winged base. The stipe is indistinct or up to 120 mm (4ľ in) long and is scaling towards the base and the fronds are arranged densely along the rhizome.

Flower: The fertile fronds are similar to the sterile fronds and the minute brown raised, rounded sori appear irregularly scattered densely on the underside towards the top during summer.

Fruit:The spores are produced in the sporangium during the sporophyte stage of the fern life cycle and appear scattered 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.

FERNS
General cultural requirements 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 deep shade.

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

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 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 cover the crown of the plant.
When fertilising, ferns prefer a little and regular fertiliser this will improve pale fronds and weak growth.

Soil
Generally ferns prefer a heaver soil type with ample organic matter. Sandy soils 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 but generally they prefer a acidic pH. All require organic material and moisture.