If you are the proud owner of a Cyathea spp. tree fern, from New Zealand, then hang on to it. If you intend buying one, then time is running out.
New plant health regulations have meant that it is almost impossible to import tree ferns from New Zealand. I am lucky that my Black Tree Fern survived the mammoth journey, many perished, because they were unable to withstand being shipped barerooted, or, as a 'trunk', like Dicksonia antarcticas. If you are lucky enough to find one, make sure it is growing in a pot, and has visible fronds. A dormant tree fern and a dead tree fern can be difficult to tell apart.
NZ Tree Fern Ban.
prophet I did see a mention on another thread about that, I do know that Cyatheas won't stand root disturbance, I bought a C. medullaris young plant from ebay but it died, it was in a small pot, grown from spore here but something it didn't like, perhaps I left it in the cold shed too long. I keep hoping there is some spore hanging around it that will grow!
I also got some spore of C dealbata, it did grow and I kept it inside over winter but it's difficult to get them to overwinter inside too, even if you keep them in a cooler room. I have about 3 just making small leaves, and I should have transplanted before leaves made, but lost most anyway, I should be able to move them with some surrounding compost. So if I am successful, I will have some plants or a plant that will have been grown in this environment and may live, although it will take time, for the forseeable future time is something I have for free!
Hiya wallaby1,
Yes, Cyatheas are a bit on the fussy side. I have a 30cms C.dealbata which never seemed at home in a pot, so, last summer I planted it in the garden. With some fleece protection, it came through the winter, and, seems a much happier plant.