Propagation
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 until the prothallus appears.

Divide rhizomes in to lengths during spring and seal wounds to prevent fungal infection. Plant upwards in well drained moist soil, apply bottom heat.
Cleanliness is essential during the process.


Botanic information
Leaf: The semi-erect dark green leathery textured pinnate to bipinnate fronds are up to 350 mm (14 in) long and are ovate in outline with a shiny black stipe up to 200 mm (7ľ in) long. The stalked pinnae are up to 35 mm (1? in) long and the ultimate segments are wedge-shape with a lobed apex and parallel sides. The rachis is conspicuously grooved above and covered in light brown scales.

Flower: The sterile and fertile fronds are simular. The sori are arranged on the underside of the fertile pinnae along the veins with a membranous indusium and appear during summer.

Fruit: The spores are produced in the sporangium during the sporophyte stage of the fern life cycle and appear on the underside of the fertile pinnae along the veins. 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 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.