The spores on most ferns are the same size and perform the same function. When the spores are mature, they are released from the sporangia. If a spore lands on a suitable site, it will germinate and grow via mitosis into a mature gametophyte plant. A gametophyte is the plant that produces gametes.

Answer and Explanation: Plants that produce spores make and release thousands of them because each individual spore has a small chance of becoming a new plant.

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.

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. Recognizable ferns are the sexless second generation that produces spores. Individual spores are encased in structures called sporangia, which are the dots that appear on the underside of fern fronds. The sporangia have caps called indusia that contain the spores until they reach maturity.

These dots are called sori and enclose the spores. These stalks dry quite well and are often used in flower arrangements because of their attractive color. They are also an attractive winter focal point if left on the ferns.

These neat clusters of dots on the backs of fern foliage are spores, and it is the method by which ferns reproduce. So these dots are a good thing – they tell you that your fern is happy, and virile!

sporangia

summer

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.

Most can be stored for up to a year if you keep them cool and dry. Sowing fern spores is not very different from the method used by most gardeners to start fine seeds indoors. There is one difference, though, and that is that fern seedlings are highly sensitive to contaminants (fungi, mold, moss, etc.).

Acquiring some spores to sow is the first order of business. There are two ways to obtain spores. You can join international fern societies with spore exchanges, such as the American Fern Society or the British Pteridological Society. There are also many excellent regional societies that offer spores.

Depending on the kind of fern, it may take two to six months after fertilization for the first fronds to appear. Usually, gardeners and greenhouse producers don’t reproduce indoor ferns from spores. Most indoor ferns are separated into several pieces by root division.

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.

Sunlight. A limited number of ferns tolerate full sunlight; however, frequent watering and consistently moist soil is critical. Sun-tolerant ferns include cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) which reaches heights of 24 to 36 inches and grows in USDA zones 2 through 10.