Rez said: ... I know that using spores takes a long time so am looking for an alternative.
I apologize in advance, and I agree that it sounds like it takes multiple steps and patience.
But you might re-consider taking a shot or two at propagating ferns from spores.
You might find that you have a knack for it, or that it turns out to be easier than you thought.
If you accept up front that it might take several tries, and that the first few tries may be "learning experiences", it doesn't have to be disappointing if the first several tries fail. (And it looks like an indoor sport, so you could do it over the winter as long as you already had spores in hand.)
Then when you DO find a method that works and is easy for you, you have bragging rights! "Oh, yes, I propagate ferns from spores all the time (swagger, swagger)." And you could propagate almost any fern you find, potentially making you the Fern Conservator of SW Virginia.
If spores are sturdy enough to withstand mailing, you could even propagate ferns that other NGA members own. I see at least 50 members from VA, so some of those could be native to your area. {*}
And I found these guys online!
" One of the goals of the American Fern Society is to promote the cultivation of ferns. The AFS Spore Exchange makes hundreds of ferns available that would otherwise be unobtainable for most members. Members can share spores from rare or endangered ferns thereby safeguarding the species so that our grandchildren may also enjoy these beautiful plants."
...
"The spores from the ferns listed in the exchange have been donated by members of the AFS.
If you are an AFS member, spore packets may be ordered from the list for 50 cents each."
http://amerfernsoc.org/sporexy...
http://amerfernsoc.org/sporeli... <-- list of available fern spores
http://amerfernsoc.org/sporcol... <-- how to collect and mail fern spores
Anyway, any gardening technique that you master gives you options. It looks like spore propagation is like micro-propagation: almost as easy to make 50 seedlings as 5. You could start your own local fern give-away or swap-fest.
{*}
http://garden.org/users/member...
There seem to be two major groups of fern spores: green spores and non-green spores.
"Fern species produce either nongreen or green spores, which have been considered to exhibit storage physiologies similar to orthodox and recalcitrant seeds, respectively. Consequently,
dry storage conditions are conventionally recommended for nongreen spores and humid storage in the refrigerator over media is recommended for medium term storage of green spores and some nongreen spores not tolerant to desiccation. "
https://www.researchgate.net/p...
