skip to main content

Tips on growing ferns from spores? Have prothallia!

9 years ago

This year I decided I'd try my hand at growing ferns from spores. I purchased native spores from 2 different places on E-Bay/Etsy. I'm happy to say that both my Lady Fern and my Intermediate Wood Fern trays are growing prothallia! Yay! Nothing from the Ostrich Fern yet, but it's only been 6 weeks.

The directions I have say to thin them to 1 or 2 per 3 inch area, or they will grow only male organs. I'm trying to figure out a few things:

1) When do I thin them? Soon? Now? Honestly, the Lady Fern showed the first flush of prothallia 1-2 weeks ago, but we lost power for 3 days and I had bronchitis, so transplanting didn't happen. It was just a sprinkling then, though, and the prothallia have gotten bigger leaf-like parts, as well as come in thicker. They are still incredibly tiny, though so I'm dreading trying to figure out what 1 is. My directions say when they grow to 3/8," they develop male & female organs.

2) Is it possible to carefully transplant some of the prothallia to another container? I sewed my fern spores in one 1020 tray per type of spore, and I'd really like to get as many ferns as possible. If I just thin them in the tray, I won't end up with that many.

3) I'm hoping spraying with a splash of hydrogen peroxide in the water will take care of that unwanted fungus. Any tips?

I'm so excited! I've wanted to grow ferns from spores for years, and I'm delighted it's working. The two that are growing are from an Etsy seller about 60-90 minutes' drive from me, too, so my guess is they'll be quite happy in my garden once they get there.

Thanks. I'm also going to cross-post on the Ferns forum.

Comments (4)

lycopus
9 years ago
They can be transplanted any time provided they are kept moist. I've never put H2O2 on fern gametophytes so couldn't tell you what it would do to them. My guess it wouldn't be good. Control of fungi is best accomplished at the start by pasteurizing the soil prior to sowing spores.
candogal
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for the tip! I do always pasteurize my seed starting soil by wetting it, then microwaving it for 8 minutes, then letting it sit covered until cool. I did this for the ferns. Plus I washed the trays and covers with a dilute bleach solution. I must've not been thorough enough, or there was something in the air. I've been peeking, so some fungal spores could have gotten in.

I decided to scoop out the fungal/mold areas with a kitchen spoon. So far, no re-growth. We'll see. I've used hydrogen peroxide with veggie and flower seedlings a couple times in the past, though I really don't have problems with molds in my seedlings.

The Ostrich Fern is showing some signs of growth now. Fingers still crossed!

I found this great article by Bill Cullina about growing ferns from spores, in case anyone is interested.

Here is a link that might be useful: NEWFS on growing Ferns
Related Discussions
Hardy Fern Spores
Q
Comments (5)
Hey i would deffinately be interested, sending an email now. thanks -Matt
...See More
Sowing fern spores outside?
Q
Comments (1)
Have you tried creating terrariums for the planters. I seem to have wild ferns coming up in one terrarium i put in bright north light all the time. Only water it three times a year for the golden button fern and moss that are in it.
...See More
fern scale or spores
Q
Comments (2)
Here's a link to British Ferns and you can select the physical features or attributes you want to explore, such as spore location on the pinnae. Here's one from OZ, for growing Ferns from spores: http://www.home.aone.net.au/~byzantium/ferns/growing.html Sorry, you will have to cut and paste this into your browser window. GW would not accept an intext link. Good luck! Rb Here is a link that might be useful: British Ferns
...See More
Fern ID and Newbie Growing Tips
Q
Comments (2)
This fern needs high light, your light spectrum may be incorrect for this plant. I would say place it near a window for better results. I believe you''re missing the red-ultra-violet range. If this fern was recently purchased and taken from a place of natural sunlight to a place of artificial light, you will lose all of its leaves before new ones that are more adapated to the poor light conditions develop.
...See More
lycopus
9 years ago
Though I don't know what effect the hydrogen peroxide will have, if it damages cells at all the prothalli will be particularly vulnerable because they are a single cell thick. If you try it do it on just a few of them to see what it does.

I am currently growing several species of Dropteris and have a few sporophytes popping up after about 3 months. Once the gametophytes are mature spraying with purified water can help with fertilization. Some people like to flood them but I find spraying works well too. If they start looking a little yellow some dilute fertilizer can help them green back up.
Lynda Waldrep
9 years ago
Last year I was too busy to go through all of the protocols, and I was happy to see that my walking fern spores had good results anyway. Dumb luck, or just great spores??

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

FARM YOUR YARD How to Grow Vegetables in Containers

By Annie Thornton

Get glorious vegetables and fruits on your patio with a pro’s guidance — including his personal recipe for potting mix

DISASTER PREP & RECOVERY Remodeling After Water Damage: Tips From a Homeowner Who Did It

By Judith Taylor Designs

Learn the crucial steps and coping mechanisms that can help when flooding strikes your home

GARDENING GUIDES What Kind of Roses Should You Grow?

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Want to add the beauty of roses to your garden? Find out which ones, from old-fashioned to modern, are right for you

SPRING GARDENING Summer Crops: How to Grow Strawberries

By Marianne Lipanovich

Pluck your own sweet strawberries right from the garden vine for smoothies, salads or eating then and there

URBAN GARDENS One Fern Day

By Jen L'Italien

Think terrariums are tiresome? Unusual containers and unexpected greens yield surprising offshoots

HOUSEPLANTS Get a Tropical Splash With a Bird's Nest Fern

By creative jewish mom.com

Sword-shaped leaves make this fern a stunning accent — and you can even mount it on wood for a wall hanging

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Western Sword Fern Adds Prehistoric Drama

For distinctive looks and easy care in a shade garden, go for North American native Polystichum munitum

FERNS The Indoor Gardener: Reconsider Fabulous Ferns

By Living Small: City & Small Space Consulting

Delicate to exuberant, ferns come in all manner of styles and add bursts of freshness to your interior decorating

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Northern Maidenhair Fern Softens Shade Gardens

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Stir up some romance in dark corners with the billowy fronds of native Adiantum pedatum

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Try this giant among ferns for a showstopping sight in a shady or even somewhat sunny woodland garden

Sponsored