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  • In this activity, students learn how to propagate ferns. All ferns reproduce by means of spores. Some ferns, like the hen and chickens fern, reproduce asexually by means of bulbils.

    By the end of this activity, students should be able to:

    • understand that all ferns reproduce sexually by means of spores
    • understand that some ferns also reproduce asexually by means of bulbils
    • understand the growing conditions needed for fern reproduction and propagation
    • have a clearer understanding of the fern life cycle.
    Rights: The University of Waikato

    Fern reproduction

    Most ferns reproduce sexually. Dr Leon Perrie discusses the main elements of the reproductive life cycle of ferns.

    Download the Word file (see link below) for:

    • introduction/background notes
    • instructions on what you need and what to do
    • student instructions for propagating ferns
    • extension ideas.

    Related Content

    In What is a fern? learn about this ancient group of plants. A tale of two ferns looks at how DNA helped solve a fern mystery.

    Learn more about the different types of vegetative plant propagation.

    Ferns come in a variety of shapes and sizes and these interactives explore the fern structure and the underlay of a fern.

      Published 15 October 2010 Referencing Hub articles
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