How To Germinate Tree Fern Spores ?

[Really full garden]

I just got some Cyathea borbonica spore and need some practical (basic) advice on how to germinate these incredibly small spores.They are just visible to the naked eye.

I have never germinated any fern spore before and purchsed these out of curiosity and learn something new.

[gcyao]

Scott,

It is a long process, so you will need a lot of patience!

You will need a clear plastic box or cup, preferably with a clear lid, and some medium, like fern roots or sphagnum moss, enough to fill a fourth of the plastic container. Sterilize everything. It is very important to do that, or else microbial or algal contamination can cause you grief. Place the medium in the bottom of the container and rinse with boiled or purified water by pouring in and then out. Dust some spores onto the surface of the medium, which should be somewhat wet. Finally, close the lid and place in a bright location out of direct sun. Then, here's where patience comes in, you wait for the prothalli to germinate and grow, how long depending on species and how old the spores are, which can take months. The prothalli will look like tiny green moss. Should the medium dry out a little, you will need to add more water.

When you reach this stage, post some photos, and I will continue with the instructions.

[Really full garden]

  gcyao said:

Scott,

It is a long process, so you will need a lot of patience!

You will need a clear plastic box or cup, preferably with a clear lid, and some medium, like fern roots or sphagnum moss, enough to fill a fourth of the plastic container. Sterilize everything. It is very important to do that, or else microbial or algal contamination can cause you grief. Place the medium in the bottom of the container and rinse with boiled or purified water by pouring in and then out. Dust some spores onto the surface of the medium, which should be somewhat wet. Finally, close the lid and place in a bright location out of direct sun. Then, here's where patience comes in, you wait for the prothalli to germinate and grow, how long depending on species and how old the spores are, which can take months. The prothalli will look like tiny green moss. Should the medium dry out a little, you will need to add more water.

When you reach this stage, post some photos, and I will continue with the instructions.

Thanks George, I did find some info for germinating fern spores and it is almost identical to your information.I used a peat based germination mix and added more coarse sand - all disinfected in the microwave and am using new deli containers that have been washed in a bleach solution.The container is now in indirect light. and ambient temps 25-35c.

I hope I can get something to germinate.

I have had to wait almost two years for some palm seeds to germinate so I have learned to have some patience.