The presence of long, slender, trailing growths extending from your fern indicates a healthy plant attempting to expand its territory. These structures are known as stolons, or sometimes runners, and they represent a natural form of vegetative reproduction. A fern stolon is essentially a horizontal stem that grows along or just below the soil surface. Their appearance is typically thin and vine-like, often featuring small nodes, which are specialized points where roots and new fronds can develop. Whether these growths should be removed for tidiness or utilized to create new ferns depends entirely on your gardening goals.
The Biological Function of Fern Stolons
Ferns use stolons as a highly efficient method of asexual reproduction, which results in a genetic clone of the parent plant. This strategy allows the fern to spread rapidly and colonize new, favorable areas without the need for sexual reproduction via spores. The stolon seeks out soil contact to initiate the growth of a new plantlet at one of its nodes.
This process is a form of natural layering, where the parent plant provides sustained nourishment to the developing offspring until it is capable of independent growth. The production of numerous stolons is a clear indication that the fern is vigorous and thriving in its current environment. By creating these runners, the fern can quickly establish a dense, interconnected mat of growth across a wide area.
Techniques for Removing Unwanted Stolons
If your primary goal is to maintain a tidy, contained fern, especially in a pot, the stolons should be removed regularly to direct the plant’s energy back into its main crown. The removal process is straightforward and will not cause long-term harm to the parent fern. Use a pair of clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make a precise cut.
The best location for the cut is as close to the main plant’s base or the soil line as possible, completely detaching the runner. Removing these horizontal stems prevents them from rooting into the surrounding soil or nearby containers, effectively controlling the plant’s spread. Consistent pruning of newly emerging stolons is the most effective method for containment.
Propagating New Ferns Using Stolons
Utilizing a fern’s stolons is a reliable method for propagating new plants. The preferred technique is layering, which encourages the stolon to root while remaining attached to the parent plant, guaranteeing moisture and nutrients. Select a healthy, long stolon and position a small, separate pot nearby. Fill the pot with a sterile, well-draining rooting medium, such as a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and standard potting soil.
Gently press a node of the stolon—the point where new growth will emerge—onto the surface of the new soil. Secure the node in place using a bent wire or gardening pin to maintain firm contact with the damp medium. Keep the small pot consistently moist and placed in an area with indirect light.
The rooting process typically takes several weeks as the node develops its own root system. To encourage success, increase local humidity by covering the pot loosely with a clear plastic bag. Once new frond growth is observed and the plantlet feels securely anchored when gently tugged, sever the stolon connection. Use clean shears to cut the runner a few inches from the new plant’s base.