The dispersal of spores in ferns takes place through the annulus on the plant – a cluster of cells arranged in an arc or ring on the sporangium. As the water continues to evaporate, a bubble of air forms inside each annulus plant cell, forcing the cell to snap open and release the spores.

Spores, rather than gametes, are the unicellular, haploid products of meiosis in fern plants. Spores in turn undergo mitotic cell divisions to produce the multicellular, haploid gametophyte. Relative to the familiar sporophytes, the fern gametophytes are small and inconspicuous.

Each sporangium is a capsule that contains spores. They are usually aggregated into clusters called sori. The position and arrangement of the sporangia are very important for the identification of ferns. Fronds that have sporangia on their underside are fertile, and those that don’t are sterile.

Spores are released into the wind. If those spores happen to land somewhere suitable, they will grow into what is called a gametophyte, and that is a whole separate individual plant.

It develops rapidly indoors and is beautiful. It has long cascading fronds (leaves) up to three feet long with a deep rich green color. Almost all ferns produce spores, powderlike reproductive organisms that are tucked on the backs of leaves in tiny clusters called sori.

Ferns can be grown from clippings, also known as cuttings. Place a 1-inch layer of sand in the bottom of a small pot for drainage. The soil should drain well and be loamy as ferns don’t like it too wet. About 4 inches of soil is adequate for growth.

In a month or two, small, green plants should appear. Thin them to about 1 every 3 inches. Check the container regularly and keep the soil moist. It may take another 6 to 8 weeks for little fronds to appear.

Ferns are a plant type that can grow underwater ( submerged completely under the water including their leaves. While there are other plants that can grow in water only by submerging their roots.

3-4 weeks

Fern roots are generally thin and wiry in texture and grow along the stem. Whisk ferns lack any true roots and are sometimes considered the most primitive of all vascular plants. Instead of any true roots, they have a rhizome with root-like rhizoids which are used to absorb water and nutrients.

Most ferns like to be potbound. Ferns have shallow roots, so a shallow pot is preferred. Most ferns should be kept moist but none should be allowed to stand in water or to endure soggy soil. Supply enough water to thoroughly penetrate the soil and allow the excess to drain away.

Fern plants don’t like containers that are too large for their size, but they can become pot-bound as the roots grow and develop. Signs of this include overgrowth that makes the plant look too large for the pot, wilting or yellowing fronds, slow growth or a cracked pot.