What Do Ferns Require to Grow & Germinate?

Growing Requirements

• Most ferns prefer cool weather and high levels of humidity. Daytime temperatures for ferns should be 72 degrees or lower, while night temperatures ideally should be lower than 60 degrees, according to the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Ferns grown outdoors thrive best in deep shade or on the north side of a house; don't plant ferns in direct sunlight. Ferns prefer 30 to 50 percent humidity, so place indoor ferns in humid rooms, near a humidifier or on trays filled with gravel and water.

Considerations

• Different varieties of ferns have different ideal growing conditions. For example, sword ferns, asparagus ferns, bird's nest ferns and staghorn ferns require more light than other varieties. Maidenhair, staghorn and Boston ferns require more humidity than other ferns; misting these ferns with an atomizer helps them to thrive. If possible, check the growing requirements of a specific type of fern before purchasing it.

Propagation

• Root division is the easiest way to propagate ferns. Some ferns grow large enough that dividing them becomes necessary. Divide ferns by cutting the root ball in halves or quarters with a sharp knife. Pull apart the sections to help the roots spread before replanting. Water thoroughly and ensure ferns have adequate humidity after dividing. For best results, divide them in early spring. If you want a challenge, you also can propagate ferns by germinating spores.

Germinating Spores

• Ferns grow from spores, dot-like structures on the undersides of leaves, not seeds. If you want to grow ferns from spores, remove a leaf after the spores turn dark in the summer and place the leaf in a dark container or between a folded piece of paper. After the leaf dries, shake off the spores into a pot filled with a peat-based seed-starting mix. Water the soil and cover the pot with a plastic bag, then put it in the sun. The spores will grow into a goo-like substance and then form small fronds. Transplant clumps of fronds to pots when they are around an inch tall.