You can grow them right on the ground. In nature you see bits that have fallen to the ground continue on. A park near here also has large patches growing on moss-covered sandy slopes, among broom and grasses.

Here on Vancouver Island, they grow on the ground in lots of places. Be aware, though, that they often go dormant in hot, dry weather, but come back to life when the fall rains return. They should be really happy little campers with the weather we've been having recently!!

-Gord

I just went on a walk in our woods today and was noticing all the ferns on the maples, but I don't think I saw any on the conifers. I'll have to look for that next time I go there.
I did see a big cedar went down in the storm, part of it on our neighbor's fence, so I know what we'll be doing this weekend.

The maples load up with ferns, selaginellas and mosses in places like shady ravines because they (the maples) give off nutrients.