How to propagate: Fern

A Fern can be propagated by tearing them apart. Have you never propagated a plant by tearing? Then it can feel a bit unnatural to tear a Fern apart. Tearing a plant is very simple, and you don’t really need any supplies. Although it can be handy to have a clean and sharp knife nearby.

Propagating a Fern in 4 steps

Step 1: Disinfect

First clean the knife you might be using.

Keep the knife under hot water and clean them well. This prevents you from unnecessarily transferring bacteria during the propagation.

Do you happen to have disinfectant or pure alcohol? Disinfect the tools after using hot water. Let's get away with those bacteria and fungi!

Step 2: Dig out the plant

Lay down the old towel first.

Then remove the plant from its decorative pot. Put the plant on a towel, so you can reduce the mess. Shake the plant so that the old potting soil comes loose.

Step 3: Take cuttings

Think about how many cuttings you would like to have first.

Then carefully tear the plant apart in the requested amout. It is important that the cuttings have their own roots.

Isn’t tearing easy? Then take the knife and cut the root ball apart.

Step 4: Taking care of the cutting

When you've got your cuttings you can repot them in your own pot. Make sure you use fresh potting soil. Fresh potting soil contains nutrients that the cuttings need to become stronger.

Place the cuttings in a spot with indirect sunlight, and keep the soil slightly moist. With a Fern it is also important to spray the leaves well with a plant sprayer.