I always wanted a tree fern and living where they thrive, I knew it was just a matter of time.
These things are very expensive here so I always had my eye open for one.
While touring Long Beach California by the Aquarium of the Pacific, I saw a few tree ferns and one frond had been broken but still hanging from the rest of the stem. Upon examination of the fronds, I saw spore dehiscence (release of spore) so I removed a piece of the dried frond, wrapped it in a Kleenex and brought it home to Vancouver.
I took two pots of soil and poured boiling water over it a few times to kill any pathogens. Once at room temperature, I tapped the spore over the surface of the soil in the two pots then placed them in a large Ziploc baggie and kept it on the floor by the window. After about a month I saw a green gelatine like structure over the soil surface, after another month, baby ferns began to grow. I was able to separate out a few individuals and pot them up separately. I still have some small ones but the photo attached is of two plants in a large pot. This one is a couple years old now and growing well. I expect it will be many years before it has a trunk but I am happy to know I was able to start some tree ferns for free from scratch.
Cheers,
Sean