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You can start a fern from a cutting, though ferns don’t propagate the same way as most houseplants.
And this Miracle-Gro All Purpose Fertilizer on Amazon can be a practical addition for you, so click the link to check it out.
Unlike stem cuttings from a pothos or a philodendron, ferns grow from spores or by dividing their root systems.
Still, if you’re wondering how to start a fern from a cutting, the most reliable method involves taking a division or a runner cutting from a mature fern.
Starting a fern from a cutting isn’t impossible, but it does require the right technique and a little patience.
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to start a fern from a cutting, the tools you’ll need, and the best care tips to help your new fern thrive.
Let’s dig into the process of starting a fern from a cutting.
How to Start a Fern From a Cutting: The Core Method
The key to understanding how to start a fern from a cutting is knowing that most ferns are propagated by division rather than single stem cuttings.
Here’s what you’ll do to start a fern from a cutting successfully.
1. Choose the Right Fern for Cutting Propagation
Not all ferns can be started from a cutting in the same way.
Some ferns, like the Boston fern, produce long runners or stolons that root easily when placed on soil.
Others, like the maidenhair fern, are better propagated by dividing the root ball.
When you want to start a fern from a cutting, pick a fern that naturally forms offsets or runners.
Boston ferns, rabbit’s foot ferns, and asparagus ferns (not true ferns but similar) are excellent choices.
Select a healthy, mature fern with plenty of fronds and visible offshoots.
2. Gather Your Supplies for Starting a Fern From a Cutting
To start a fern from a cutting, you’ll need a few basic supplies.
Grab a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears.
You’ll also need a small pot with drainage holes, fresh potting mix (a peat-based or well-draining fern mix works best), and a spray bottle for moisture.
Optional but helpful: rooting hormone powder can speed up the process, though it’s not essential.
Having everything ready makes starting a fern from a cutting much smoother.
And this Miracle-Gro All Purpose Fertilizer on Amazon can be a practical addition for you, so click the link to check it out.
3. Take the Cutting Correctly
Now for the actual cutting.
If your fern has runners (long stems that trail out and form baby ferns at the tips), locate a healthy runner with small roots already forming.
Snip the runner just below the baby fern, leaving a couple of inches of stem attached.
If you’re working with a fern that doesn’t have runners, you can start a fern from a cutting by removing a clump of fronds with some underground rhizome attached.
Dig gently around the base of the fern and cut a portion of the root ball containing at least two to three fronds.
Make sure each cutting has a piece of the rhizome or root system, as ferns need that to survive.
4. Plant the Fern Cutting Properly
Fill your pot with moistened potting mix and make a small hole in the center.
Place the fern cutting into the hole so the roots or rhizome are just below the surface.
Gently firm the soil around the cutting.
If you used a runner cutting with a baby fern, bury the roots and the base of the stem, leaving the fronds above soil.
Water lightly from the bottom or use a spray bottle to avoid disturbing the cutting.
This step is crucial when learning how to start a fern from a cutting because ferns prefer consistent moisture but hate being waterlogged.
5. Provide the Right Environment for Rooting
After planting, place the pot in a warm spot with bright, indirect light.
Direct sun can scorch the delicate new fronds.
Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or a humidity dome to trap moisture.
This creates a mini greenhouse that helps the fern cutting root faster.
Open the bag every day for a few minutes to let fresh air circulate and prevent mold.
Mist the soil surface whenever it feels dry.
Roots from a fern cutting usually form within two to four weeks.
Best Practices When You Start a Fern From a Cutting
So you’ve taken the cutting and planted it – now what?
Following a few best practices will improve your success rate when you start a fern from a cutting.
1. Keep Humidity High
Ferns are humidity lovers.
When you start a fern from a cutting, high humidity is non-negotiable.
Use a humidity tray filled with pebbles and water, or run a small humidifier near your pot.
Misting the cutting daily also helps, but don’t let water sit on the fronds too long, as that can encourage fungal diseases.
2. Water Consistently but Moderately
The soil should stay evenly moist, never soggy.
Watering from the bottom is a great technique because it encourages roots to grow downward.
Check the top inch of soil daily.
If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Overwatering is the most common mistake when you start a fern from a cutting.
Always use a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
3. Be Patient With New Growth
Your fern cutting may look like nothing is happening for a couple of weeks.
Don’t panic.
The fern is busy putting energy into root development underground.
Once you see new fronds unfurling, you’ll know the cutting has rooted successfully.
At that point, you can gradually remove the plastic bag over a few days to acclimate the young fern to normal humidity.
Common Mistakes When You Start a Fern From a Cutting
Even experienced plant parents can run into trouble when they start a fern from a cutting.
Here are the pitfalls to avoid.
1. Using a Cutting Without Any Roots or Rhizome
A single fern frond without any root tissue will not grow into a new plant.
Always make sure your cutting includes a portion of the rhizome or small roots.
If you skip this step, starting a fern from a cutting will just lead to a dying frond.
2. Letting the Soil Dry Out Completely
Ferns are not succulents.
They need constant moisture, especially when you start a fern from a cutting.
If the soil dries out completely, the tiny developing roots will die.
Check the pot every day and water before the soil pulls away from the edges.
3. Placing the Cutting in Direct Sunlight
Bright indirect light is perfect.
Direct sunlight will scorch the tender new growth.
A north- or east-facing windowsill is ideal when you start a fern from a cutting.
So, How to Start a Fern From a Cutting?
How to start a fern from a cutting really comes down to choosing the right fern, taking a division or runner with roots, and providing warm, humid conditions.
And this Miracle-Gro All Purpose Fertilizer on Amazon can be a practical addition for you, so click the link to check it out.
You can start a fern from a cutting successfully using the division method, which mimics the way ferns naturally spread in the wild.
Whether you’re working with a Boston fern or a rabbit’s foot fern, the steps are similar.
Remember to keep the soil consistently moist, provide high humidity, and be patient while roots form.
Now you know exactly how to start a fern from a cutting, so go ahead and give it a try with your favorite fern.
Happy propagating.