Question
Hi Will.

My mother has a Kangaroo Paw Fern.  That's what I think it's called anyway.  It's being grown in a hanging basket and has fuzzy stems.  She gave me a stem cutting of it to see if I could root it.  I stuck it in some water, but I've been reading some things that say it has to be propagated by rhizone division.  Is my cutting just going to die?

Thanks Will.

Answer
Hi Amanda,

You cannot propagate ferns from stem cuttings. Yes, the frond stem cutting will eventually die as it has no capacity to develop roots.

Most ferns have rhizomes that are thick rootstocks that develop smaller roots. Fern rhizomes can be found both under the soil and on top of the soil. Rabbit foot fern is a good example of a fern with prominent, furry rhizomes that creep above the soil. Kangaroo fern rhizomes are less prominent.

It is these rhizomes that can be propagated, sometimes by putting them in water. However, it is better to pin them horizontally to the surface of constantly damp potting soil. The moisture from the soil will cause the rhizome cutting to put out roots into the soil.

Ferns can also be propagated by dividing the rootball in half or by slicing of a significant section of the rootball and putting it into its own small pot.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]