Propagating Lemon Buttons fern

I'm new to ferns, and I bought four small Lemon Buttons
( http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/84719/ ) and planted them all in one large hanging planter. I recently noticed long fuzzy threads (rhizomes?) extending out of the pot near the soil line.
I thought it might be trying to make 'babies' so I put a small pot of moist soil on a shelf next to where the plant hangs, and laid the rhizome on the surface of that soil. It just turned brown! There are others, so should I try again, or do something else to encourage it to reproduce? Is it okay to leave the four plants in the one pot, or should I separate them?
I saw a website that said it multiplies from runners, so that's why I thought I'd try that.
Thanks!

I've just divided the bunches when they get big. I assume that you are growing the fern indoors. It's a very pretty little fern.

Thanks, Doss, yep, indoors this time of year.

I didn't read all of your message. It's OK to leave all four ferns in one pot until it outgrows it's pot. Then you can divide and conquer. If you will be happier with four smaller ferns then give them each their own pot.

Thanks, I will do that. Do you know anything about them reproducing from those long fuzzy runners they put out? Does that happen only when planted in the ground, where they have room to roam? Unfortunately, that can't happen here! We got our first snowfall of the season overnight--a couple inches.

I haven't noticed the long fuzzy runners but mine is planted with a ground cover so I wouldn't necessarily know. This site should answer all of your questions! Can't believe how complete it is.
http://www.indoor-gardener.com/nephrolepis-lemon-button-fern.html

Excellent site, thanks!