Propagating a Frosty Fern Plant

Division

• 1

  Remove the frosty fern from its container. If the plant is grown outdoors, dig up the plant, working carefully to avoid damaging the roots.

• 2

  Pull the plant carefully into smaller sections. Ensure that each section has at least three to five healthy roots.

• 3

  Plant the divisions in planting containers filled with a peat moss-based commercial potting mixture that has been moistened ahead of time. Place the containers in filtered or partial light. Keep the soil moist.

• 4

  Plant outdoor frosty ferns in well-drained soil and partial or full shade. Water as needed to keep the soil lightly moist. Don't allow the soil to become waterlogged or bone dry.

Stem Cuttings

• 5

  Fill a planting container with moist potting mixture.

• 6

  Cut a 2-to-5-inch length of stem from the tip of a healthy frosty fern plant.

• 7

  Pinch the leaves from the bottom half of the stem.

• 8

  Dip the bottom 1 inch of the stem in powdered rooting hormone.

• 9

  Plant the bare stem in the moist potting soil. Pat the soil lightly around the stem.

• 10

  Cover the planting container with clear plastic. Place the stem cutting in a warm spot where the cutting is exposed to indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, which will scorch the stem cutting.

• 11

  Check the potting mixture every day. If the mixture is dry, open the bag and add a small amount of water, or mist inside the bag. Keep the soil slightly moist, but never soggy.

• 12

  Watch for new growth to appear, which indicates the cutting is rooted. Remove the plastic, but continue to keep the soil lightly moist.

• 13

  Frosty fern benefits from regular fertilization during spring and summer. For indoor plants, use an all-purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer. For outdoor plants, use a dry or liquid fertilizer. Always apply fertilizer according to the rates indicated on the package label.