Things You'll Need:
- Containers for young plants
- Potting medium
- Pruning shears
- Newspaper
- Water
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Step 1
Gather the materials you will need. Prepare the containers (or garden locations) for the propagated ferns so that you can transfer the new plants to their destinations quickly and minimize the plants' stress and exposure from the breakaway. Use potting medium or soil that is loosely aerated and drains well. Spread out some newspaper to protect your work surface and make cleanup easier.
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Step 2
Water the mother fern. Moistening the roots prevents breakage that tends to happen when the roots are dry and brittle. Moisture also keeps the plant from drying out during the propagation process.
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Step 3
Remove the mother fern from its pot. Grasp the neck of the plant just above the soil, gently pull the whole plant out of the pot, and then lay it on the newspaper.
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Step 4
Divide the root ball into sections or clusters. Make sure each division is a complete cluster of fronds. A cluster is easy to recognize because it has a well-defined root ball with layers of old fronds surrounding younger fronds in the center.
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Step 5
Trim the new fern clusters. Prune the oldest fronds from each cluster by cutting them close to the neck of the plant. Leave about five or six young fronds. Cut off roots that have become too long or appear brittle and dead.
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Step 6
Plant the new clusters. Place the fern clusters in their designated containers or locations in the garden. Spread the roots in the soil to promote healthy growth. Making sure the neck of the plant is at ground level.
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Step 7
Gently pack the soil around the new ferns and water generously. Keep the new plants in a bright but shaded location.
