The fern life cycle Ferns do not flower but reproduce sexually from spores. There are two distinct stages of the fern life cycle .
Mature plants produce spores on the underside of the leaves.
When these germinate they grow into small heart-shaped plants known as prothalli. Male and female cells are produced on these plants and after fertilisation occurs the adult fern begins to develop. Collecting spores To collect spores place a portion of mature frond on a piece of paper in a dry place. This kills the spores of fungi and other plants that may germinate and crowd out the developing fern prothalli. Spores should be sparsely sprinkled on a medium such as finely chopped tree fern fibre, peat moss or sphagnum moss.