Unleash the Fern Power: Propagating Your Davallia Repens (the “Rabbit’s Foot Fern”)
Want to grow more of your charming Davallia repens, the fern with the furry, rabbit-foot-like rhizomes? Then you’re in the right place!
This beautiful, trailing fern is a popular choice for hanging baskets or terrariums, adding an element of lush, tropical beauty to any indoor space. But did you know you can easily propagate Davallia repens and create even more of its charm? Let’s dive into the world of Fern propagation!
Methods of Propagation
The Davallia repens, affectionately known as the “Rabbit’s Foot Fern,” is a prolific grower and is easily propagated through two main methods:
- Division: This method involves physically separating the rhizomes to create new plants. Simply lift your existing fern from its pot and gently separate the rhizomes from the main plant. Each section of rhizome with at least one growing point can be potted individually, giving you multiple new plants.
- Spores: This is the more adventurous method, as it involves patiently cultivating new ferns from microscopic spores found on the undersides of the fern’s fronds. While it may sound complicated, it can be a rewarding way to propagate your fern if you’re feeling ambitious.
Propagating via Division: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Choose a Suitable Pot: Opt for a well-draining pot with drainage holes. The size will depend on the size of the rhizomes you’re dividing.
- Prepare the Soil: Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix suitable for ferns, like a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and bark.
- Divide the Rhizomes: Carefully separate the rhizomes from the main plant. Ensure each section has at least one growing point.
- Pot the Divisions: Plant each division in its pot, ensuring the rhizome is partially buried in the soil. The growing point should be above the soil line.
- Water: Thoroughly water the newly potted divisions and place them in a warm, humid, bright, indirect light location.
Propagating via Spores: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Collect Spores: When your fern produces dark brown spore patches on the undersides of its fronds, carefully scrape them off using a dull knife or a spoon.
- Prepare the Spore Medium: Obtain a sterile potting mix or a seed-starting mix. You can also use a sterile, fine-grained soil like vermiculite.
- Sow the Spores: Spread the collected spores evenly across the surface of the chosen media in a shallow tray or pot.
- Maintain Humidity: Cover the container with a plastic wrap or glass lid to create a humid environment.
- Provide Light: Place the container in a warm location with indirect light. The spores prefer bright, diffused light.
- Sprout and Grow: Patiently wait for the spores to germinate, which can take several weeks or even months. Once the tiny fern gametophytes emerge, gradually acclimate them to normal growing conditions.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Season: The ideal time for propagation via division is in the spring or summer.
- Avoid Over-Watering: Ferns prefer consistently moist soil but not soggy.
- Maintain Humidity: Maintain high humidity levels for optimal growth, especially for spore propagation.
- Provide Bright, Indirect Light: Davallia repens thrives in bright, indirect light.
- Fertilize Regularly: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength monthly during the active growing season.
Happy Propagating!
With a little patience and care, you can easily propagate your Davallia repens and enjoy its lush beauty multiplied. Whether you choose division or the more challenging spore method, you’ll be rewarded with new, vibrant ferns that will bring a touch of the tropics to your home.