To split an overgrown fern, you will need a sharp knife or a hori hori (a Japanese gardening knife). First, closely examine the fern to determine if it has already started to split into new plants. Look for multiple clumps of leaves or fronds clustered together. This is a good indication that the fern is ready for division.
Once you have identified the clusters, carefully cut the fern through the crowns’ creases. The crowns are the base of the fern where the fronds emerge. Take your time and make clean cuts to ensure the health of the fern. If you have a large fern, like the one mentioned, you can easily get four divisions from it.
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Prepare your tools: Make sure your knife or hori hori is sharp. This will help you make clean cuts without causing unnecessary damage to the fern.
2. Choose the right time: It is best to divide ferns during their active growth period, which is typically in spring or early summer. This allows the divided plants to establish themselves before the dormant season.
3. Dig up the fern: Carefully dig around the base of the fern, taking care not to damage the roots. Lift the entire plant out of the ground, including the rootball.
4. Assess the fern: Examine the fern for potential divisions. Look for clumps of leaves or fronds that are separate from the main plant. These are the portions that can be divided into new plants.
5. Divide the fern: Using your sharp knife or hori hori, cut through the crowns’ creases, separating the clumps of leaves or fronds. Make sure each division has a good amount of roots attached to it. You can also gently tease apart the roots if they are tangled.
6. Replant the divisions: Prepare the planting area by adding organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to improve the soil’s fertility and drainage. Dig a hole for each division, ensuring that it is wide and deep enough to accommodate the roots without crowding. Place the division in the hole, making sure the crown is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole and gently firm the soil around the division.
7. Water and care for the divisions: After planting, water the divisions thoroughly to settle the soil and remove any air pockets around the roots. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide partial shade for the newly divided ferns for a few weeks to help them establish.
8. Maintain the divisions: Regularly water the divisions to keep the soil evenly moist. Monitor for any signs of stress or disease and take appropriate action. Once the divisions have established themselves, you can gradually increase their exposure to sunlight.
Remember, dividing an overgrown fern can be a rewarding process that helps rejuvenate the plant and promote healthier growth. Take your time, follow the steps carefully, and enjoy the process of creating new plants from your existing fern.
