Growing Ferns from Cuttings is in Mike's Garden Guide.
If you are one of those people who don't like waiting for seeds to grow, raising ferns from spores is not for you.The process of transforming prothallium to baby ferns can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months.For impatient gardeners, several ferns can be grown from rhizomes or better yet, ready to root, tiny plants.Polystichum setiferum is a Soft Shield Fern.There are many different forms of this lovely semi-evergreen plant, many of which are noted for the particular trait of developing baby ferns along the midribs of mature fronds.The lower fronds, which have been sheltered from the elements and kept moist, are the best examples of this reproduction.Propagation can be accomplished by cutting the stems into pieces and using a piece of wire to pin the side leaflets to the moist surface of a sterile growing mix.You can do this in a flat pot, but you will need to cover it with a plastic dome for light and humidity.I kept my plants in a shaded area for about 6 weeks.