If the center of the fern is dead or the leaves are growing smaller than usual, it is time to divide it.If your fern isn't displaying any of the telltale signs, you should still divide it to encourage new growth.If you grow ferns indoors or outdoors, you should divide them every three to five years.To get your new divisions to grow, you need to divide the ferns based on their root structure at the right time of year.
Step 1: Water the plant for two days before digging it up.
If the root system of your fern is compromised after it is divided, the plant's ability to absorb water will be diminished for a week or two.
Step 2: A shovel is needed to dig up an outdoor fern.
All the way around the fern, push the shovel straight down into the soil.Lift the fern out of the soil with the help of a shovel.
Step 3: There is a way to get an indoor fern out of its pot.
You can tip the container upside down if you grasp the leaves at the base with your fingers.The fern should leave the pot.To get the fern out of the container, tap it against the edge of a counter or table.
Step 4: You can rinse the soil off with a hose.
If you want to avoid ripping or tearing the roots, wash them off on a gentle or low stream of water.
Step 5: Determine if the roots are rhizomatous by examining them.
Depending on the root structure of your fern, there are different ways to divide it.The underground stems of the rhymatous are thick.It is possible that your fern has sections of roots with fine roots growing from them.Ferns are usually grown with rhizomatous roots.The fern's roots may appear to be a mass of fine, fibrous roots growing from the center of the fern after the soil is washed off.These are clumps of roots.One of the fern species that has a clump-forming root system is the royal fern.A spreading root system is similar to a clumping system but the roots come from all over the fern rather than just the center.Sword fern has a spreading root system.
Step 6: Cut the rhizomatous roots apart to divide a fern.
Each division must have at least one rhizome with healthy roots and leaves.
Step 7: If you want to divide a fern, cut it into sections with a knife.
Put the knife between the leaves and push it down through the crown.There must be a section of the crown where the roots originate.
Step 8: To divide a fern, work it apart with your fingers.
Each new division needs a few leaves to have a healthy mass of roots.If there are roots between the two sections, cut them with scissors.
Step 9: Plants the new divisions right away.
Be sure to plant healthy divisions.The dead centers should be removed from the clumps of fern and damaged rhizomes.Immediately after planting, water the newly-planted divisions generously.The water should be poured evenly over the soil.When the top of the mix begins to dry, be sure to water them again.
Step 10: The new divisions need to be misted every morning for a month.
Misting the fern's roots each morning will help the plant get through the repotting phase.This is a sign that your fern isn't getting enough water.If this happens, increase how often you water them.
Step 11: In the fall or early spring, divide the outdoor ferns.
The best time to divide outdoor ferns is in the fall when they lose their leaves after the first hard frost, or the spring when new shoots start to emerge.
Step 12: Once the container is full of roots, divide an indoor fern.
If this is the case, your fern has become pot bound or outgrew its container.Dividing the fern will allow you to grow new plants.If you do any spring divisions of your fern, be careful as you don't want to damage the leaves.
Step 13: You should keep in mind the type of fern you have.
Ferns are generally hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 12.Boston fern, one of the most common houseplant ferns, is only hardy in Zones 10 to 12.