Germinating Kentia Palm Seeds Indoors - Any suggestions?

[piping plovers]

Hi All,

I searched the forum for threads on starting kentia (Howea forsteriana) seeds indoors.  I thought I saw some info in the past but now that I need it I can't locate.  I just received 100 freshly harvested kentia seeds from a reputable grower in Santa Barbara, CA.  Some good websites giving instructions recommend approx 10 seeds to an 8" or larger batch pots, potting mix with perlite, plastic covering and out of direct sun.  I could do this but that would be up to 10 pots taking up space in the house. 

Has anyone been successful with the plastic bag method?  I think that would take less space and soil mix.  If so, what is your process?  soil mix, # seeds per gallon size (or similar) bag, where placed, watering protocol, etc? 

I am reading anything from 3 - 12 months on germination.

Honestly, I only wanted 10 seedling palms to inter-plant with my three -  20 year old single potted kentias to eventually give a multiple stem look.  I just couldn't find any small kentias so I am going the germination route.

Thanks in advance for any help with this.

 

[Fusca]

I am currently trying the method described by @rowdy46 in the following thread from 2008.  I've got seeds drying on my shaded front porch.  Unfortunately the fruits were red when collected rather than yellow, but hoping for success anyway.  The only time I've germinated them in the past was in a community pot indoors with no supplemental heat.  Best of luck to us both!

https://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/10209-kentia-palm-howea-forsteriana/

 

[Steve Mac]

 I can't answer your question Plover, I have not tried to germinate them indoors since they are a weed for me outdoors.

But I wanted to tell you that, on here, it is commonly said that Kentia don't transplant or separate well. This may be the case when they are bigger than seedlings or in other more demanding climates but not for me. I mulch and compost 100's because I can't give them away fast enough. If I hear of someone who wants some, I pull them out of the ground (i.e. grab them with my thumb and forefinger at ground level and yank them until most of the roots have broken off and they come out of the ground) I then throw them in a heap and later when I remember (and it has been up to a week) I pick up the ones with more than half a root left and throw them in a pot of some reused old cheap potting mix and compost usually about 90% to 100% compost.

Obviously I don't care how many I kill, what still surprises me is how many live, most of them. I am sorry if I have labored the point but if yours sprout, don't worry about moving them, they are as tough as nails here. 

[piping plovers]

11 hours ago, Fusca said:

I am currently trying the method described by @rowdy46 in the following thread from 2008.  I've got seeds drying on my shaded front porch.  Unfortunately the fruits were red when collected rather than yellow, but hoping for success anyway.  The only time I've germinated them in the past was in a community pot indoors with no supplemental heat.  Best of luck to us both!

https://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/10209-kentia-palm-howea-forsteriana/

 

Thanks Fusca for the info and for that great link.  I knew this information existed somewhere on here.  I purchased a kentia book by that OP years ago as much of that information seems familiar now.  I soaked my seeds overnight and now not sure I should have.    Best of luck with your results!

[piping plovers]

3 minutes ago, piping plovers said:

8 hours ago, gtsteve said:

can't answer your question Plover, I have not tried to germinate them indoors since they are a weed for me outdoors.

But I wanted to tell you that, on here, it is commonly said that Kentia don't transplant or separate well. This may be the case when they are bigger than seedlings or in other more demanding climates but not for me. I mulch and compost 100's because I can't give them away fast enough. If I hear of someone who wants some, I pull them out of the ground (i.e. grab them with my thumb and forefinger at ground level and yank them until most of the roots have broken off and they come out of the ground) I then throw them in a heap and later when I remember (and it has been up to a week) I pick up the ones with more than half a root left and throw them in a pot of some reused old cheap potting mix and compost usually about 90% to 100% compost.

Obviously I don't care how many I kill, what still surprises me is how many live, most of them. I am sorry if I have labored the point but if yours sprout, don't worry about moving them, they are as tough as nails here. 

 

Thanks Steve.  Another example of one man's trash being another's treasure: your precious kentia "weeds" look like my maple tree weeds in number here in the northeastern US.  Maybe you can start an eB*y side business with sprouted kentias; although with international shipping headaches with plant products it may not be worth the hassle.  Good anecdotal advice there on handling the sprouts.  Thinking I lean towards the nursery pots as some good sources recommend approximately 5'" soil beneath the seeds, as opposed to shallow situation in a plastic gallon bag.

 

[piping plovers]

Here is a brief photo essay on my process today.  I planted 50 seeds after soaking for 4 hours.  Used 2/3 potting mix and 1/3 perlite.  Filled gallon pot 2/3, watered lightly, added 10 seeds, misted lightly, covered with 2” of the mix, watered lightly, covered pot with plastic wrap and set in heated sunroom with the other palms and orchids. Temps range from 55F to 85F year round.  I’ll likely plant the other 50 tomorrow with the 24 hour seed soak; I got impatient today.  Photos below.