Ant Fern - Lecanopteris sinuosa from spores

[dvg]

This is a continuation of the thread started on our former forum, and now archived over there.


ocps.proboards.com/thread/9174/lecanopteris-sinuosa-spores

The spores were sown on Nov. 7, 2018, in two separate pots.

Here is how those pots were looking in early February of this year.





The sporelings at this stage, resemble liverworts, in appearance. (From Feb.8, 2019)



A pic of both pots, shot on the Ides of March.



A closer look at the true leaves appearing on the young ant ferns.



From April 15, 2019





From May 9, 2019





These haven't been fertilized yet, though they would benefit from it.

This is my first attempt at growing ferns out from spores, but this method can be used for any number of different fern species.
















dvg

[dvg]

Was fortunate to receive another batch of these spores from Cole here, and proceeded to pot them up, but with some procedural differences followed than from my first attempt with these.

This time, both the top layer of peat and the underlying media, we're both separately microwaved for over 7 minutes apiece.

And the sealable bags were actually new and clean, this time around.

Also, water was boiled, poured into a hand sprayer while still very hot, and squirted through the nozzle, in an attempt to sanitize it to some extent...at least the effort was put forth...it's not tissue culture!

Hands were washed, and the sowing process was performed quickly to limit exposure to the room's air.

All this above is what might have occurred the first time, but I wanted to see what might happen, if clean protocols were not adhered to...

...well this is what resulted...



The one pot has become overgrown with moss, the tops of antfern leaves rising above it.



The other pot didn't have that type of moss overtake it, though.



Was thinking of fertilizing these before, but am rethinking that now.




-dvg

[dvg]

A further update on a pot of these...




The rhizomes are more visible now as well.



when they get a bit more mature, they take on a more scaly "Rice Crispies" look to them.






dvg

[mali]

Enjoying watching this process. Thanks for sharing.

[dvg]

Thanks for your comment and you're very welcome.

It's great to see you here!

Growing these out from spores turned out to be quite easy, if the initial clean protocol procedure is followed to some degree.

This procedure will work with many different fern species including tree ferns.

If you're interested, check out these two members over at Fredg's site and their results using the bag method and Steve's method of sowing the spores outdoors and uncovered.

Both had great results and will have amassed a small army of their tree ferns shortly.


fredg.boards.net/thread/718/lophosoria-quadripinnata-spores


fredg.boards.net/thread/620/dicksonia-antartica






dvg

[dvg]

Here is an update on that second batch of these spores that were started on June 19, of this year.



They were sown in a 5" pot, but this time around, a cleaner protocol was adhered to.



And here is an update on a pot from the original batch, sown on November 7, 2018.



A shot from above shows that these ant ferns have filled in this pot quite nicely now.



And a close up of a couple of the rhizomes.



These are still growing in their zip-lock bags and have been very low maintenance throughout this whole process.









dvg

[dvg]

Another update on these ant ferns that were started from spores on November 7, 2018.

Here are a few that were transplanted into a 6-3/4" pot on November 8, 2019.



I had read online that they adjusted to transplanting quicker by using the "buddy method", so here is a small clump of about three buddies transplanted together.



Some of these ant ferns were not cooperating with the above mentioned method and came out as singles.





The orange air roots attach themselves into crevices in tree bark, allowing them to climb up tree trunks, in situ.



Theses ant ferns are currently growing in this pot, under a glass cloche, and receiving weekly spritzes of dilute orchid fertilizer.





dvg

[dvg]

Here is another update on these fine fellas...

These are the sporelings from the pot, sown on June 19, of last year.



And this is the pot that had some transplants added to it, in early November, of last year.



They all seem to be playing well in the sandbox together.



Some of these rhizomes have grown to be over 3" in length, now.














dvg

[dvg]

Here is how the original pot is doing with the remaining sporelings sown on Nov. 7, 2018.



Some of them are growing skyward, others outward.



They seem to be easy enough to grow out from spores.












dvg

[Outdoors And Botanical]

Wow thats like a slow but fast process at the same time. Judging by the dates it took around 4 months to start showing? And then after that it seemed to go pretty quick eh? Do you still have these guys?

[dvg]

Yes, still have em', and they're easy to grow too.











dvg

[dvg]

An update from today on one of the original sporeling pots.



From the other side of the pot.



A view from the top.











dvg

[perrywing]

Wow, these have come such a long way! Incredible job dvg, they look great!!

[Outdoors And Botanical]

Thats awesome dvg! Do you have any spores or plants available?,

[dvg]

The fronds aren't spore bearing yet.

I've sent you a PM.

Cheers,
Doug























dvg