Germinating rhopalosytlis sapida

[Pivi]

Hi folks!

I know that there was discussion about this before.

I hope you don't mind starting new topic to explain newbie like me trying to germinate this precious palm for the first time.

Which are the best conditions to germinate this palm seeds.

How much soaking in water?

Temperature, moisture,soil?

Is day/night temperature variation needed?

Should i put seeds in fungicide?

Thank you very much for you advices.

Edited April 25, 2008 by Pivi

[quaman58]

Pivi,

I'm germinating some now; I used a baggie method of moist pat moss and tryed to keep them as warm as possible, which meant placing them by the water heater. But they took about 3 months for me, and they are continuing to pop seven months later. No fungicide was used, nor do I believe any light is necessary. Mine were always in the dark. Hope this is useful!

Bret

[Pivi]

sure is usefull! thanks!

The thing is i got some information from people telling me that 20°C is enough for this palm to germinate, and that i shouldn't put them in warm spot.

So i'll wait for some time before they germinate.... if i'm lucky i could get some to germinate in 2 months?

So now i'm looking for your advices and experiences...to see what's the best to get good rate and fast germination. thanks

Edited April 25, 2008 by Pivi

[Tyrone]

The seed needs to be fresh. In moist spaghnum moss at room temp they will germinate in about 6-12 weeks. High temps may hurt germination. 20C will be sufficient for this species. Soak seed for 24hrs if it appears dry. Soaking doesn't hurt at all.

regards

Tyrone

[Pivi]

Thanks tyrone for you comments.

I read that taking off pulp and fiber from this seeds is very important. Seeds should be as "cleanest" as possible.

That fibers or pulp can inhibit germination.

Is that true?

[Tyrone]

Pivi, Just the pulp is neccesary. I've never removed the fibre.

regards

Tyrone

[Pivi]

Ok, so we get to this conditions (like the ones i first got):

-soak for 2 days

-moist peat, but not too moist

-keep at 20°C

are day/night temperature variations important, ie. lower night temperatures?

I ask so many questins 'cause i would really like this one to make it

[Pivi]

Anyone else wants to share his experience?

Thanks

[Tyrone]

Day night fluctuations would probably help. They would certainly get that in NZ.

regards

Tyrone

[Bennz]

Absolutley nothing is necessary. I sow them fresh from harvest without cleaning or fungicide or anything, and they germinate beautifully. Would never dream of using heat, totally unnecessary.

This is a very easy palm genus.

[Matt in SD]

I've tried germinating fresh seeds that I collected myself in an incubator at ~85-90F constant temp and got no germination. The next batch I put in my coldframe in a community pot and they pretty much all came up. I really think that day/night variation makes a difference with these. And like others have said, not too warm.

Matt

[Pivi]

Thanks people.

About day/night temperature variation. Is it better outside, or in the house where variations are a bit lower?

[Tyrone]

I've germinated them inside before. It all depends on the climate and time of year. A swing from 12C to 22C would be ideal I'd think.

regards

Tyrone

[Pivi]

ok, that means outside wright now at my place.

Night temperatures are around 12 (and rising each day), today it was 13.3 minimum at night.

Day temperatures go to around 22 in shade.

That would be perfect.

[Bennz]

Thanks people.

About day/night temperature variation. Is it better outside, or in the house where variations are a bit lower?

Pivi,

Unless you get consistent sub-0C temps I would suggest you just sow the whole fruit outside anywhere away from direct sun and let them come up as the conditions suit them. They are VERY easy to germinate, and require no special treatment at all. The only times I ever had failure was when I tried using heat.

[Pivi]

Woo hoo

I have them going.

Finally! My second rhopalostylis sapida batch. Didn't have lucky with the first batch

[Kris]

Dear Peter

that's looking great ...And the stills are also very nice.Can you narrate your experience as what method you adopted,what medium,temperatures,etc..

since i wish to take that final info for 'materials needed for germination'thread..

so your assistance in this matter will be greatly appriciated.

since iam trying to compile all germination info's & stills under one header.

thanks & love,

Kris

[Pivi]

Thanks Kris.

Nothing much. I heard that fresh seeds with this specie are very important.

So that's what i got. They confirmed that the seeds i got are fresh (my second batch).

I kept them in water for 2 days then put in moist peat.

Temperatures kept i think between 19 (night) and 24 (during the day). Out of the sun, bottom floor of my house where is nice and "chilly" now when it's summer.

It took them 58 days.