Abstract: The spores of Nephrolepis auriculata and N. falcata were cultivated with sterile culture and routine propagation. The gametophyte development of the two species were observed morphologically. Spore germination rates and sporophyte appearance rates in various culture media and substrate were also studied.The results indicated the same characteristics of the gametophytes of the two species, such as the spores are all monolete, adult gametophytes are cordate or broad cordate, trichomes are unicellular and sex organ is small.
The rates of spore germination and gametophyte development of the two specieswere influenced heavily by concentration ofmineral salt in various culture media. Advantages and disadvantages of the three improved Knopps
solid culture medium and substrate culture medium were analysed respectively, also the influence of mineral salt concentration in various culture medium and sucrose concentration on gametophytes of the two species.That indicates the sucrose concentration under 2% is good for spore germination.

Key words: Nephrolepis auriculata, Nephrolepis falcata, gametophyte, development, spore propagation