Fertilization takes place prior to elongation of the stalk, and a sporophyte is formed. As many as 7 million spores may be formed on each plant. Vegetative reproduction may occur as a result of fragmentation or gemma cup production. In fragmentation, new plants are formed when older plant parts die at the fork of a branch of a thallus. The two branches then become separate individuals.
Gametophytes produce propagative structures called gemma cups.
Each gemma gives rise to numerous gemmae that are released when the cup fills with water. Gemmae that are transported to favorable sites form a pair of young plants. Sporogonia mature and spores are released in July.