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Copyright 2005, Board of Trustees, University
of Florida

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:3 GERMINATION OF NEANTHE BELLA PALM SEEDS

R. T. Poole and C. A. Conover
University of Florida, IFAS
Agricultural Research Center-Apopka
ARC-A Research Report RH-83-23

Chamaedorea elegans, Neanthe Bella Palm or Parlor Palm,is used
extensively for interior decoration. Most Neanthe Bella Palm seeds
used for commercial production are gathered from palms in their native
habitats of Mexico and Central America. Seeds are usually collected
in late summer or early fall and planted September through November.
Germination sometimes occurs in 2 months, but many seeds do not germinate
until spring or summer, when seeds are germinated in ground beds where
soil temperatures are below 60F during the winter.

The ideal palm seeds for planting are obtained from fully ripe fruits,
planted within several days of harvesting under conditions that will induce
rapid germination. Two factors important to palm seed germination are
prevention of desiccation during storage and age of seed when planted (2).
Although most seeds of temperate zone plants are stored at temperatures
slightly above freezing, best storage conditions for seeds of most tropical
plants are not known. Seeds of the oil palm have been stored at 720F and
55% relative humidity in commercial practice and then germinated at a
temperature of 100F for 70 days (5). Seed of Rhapis humilis planted in
peat and perlite in December and maintained at 65-70F germinated by
March (4). Donselman (1) emphasized the importance of obtaining fresh
viable seeds from reputable sources.

The germination medium for palm seeds should be well aerated. Palm
seeds should be planted near the surface and not overwatered. Planting
seeds deep in a poorly drained medium and watering heavily reduces seed
germination. Neanthe Bella seeds should be planted immediately after
collection for best germination, but if seed are stored, 750F is preferred
to 40F (3). Higher germination temperatures increased speed of germination,
but not percentage of seed germinated.

Recent research at the Agricultural Research Center-Apopka confirms
these conditions (Table 1 & 2) and established the importance of maintaining
high humidity if seeds are stored. However, percent germination is much
better if seeds are planted immediately. Other ornamental palm seed probably
respond in a similar manner.

Summary

For best germination of Neanthe Bella palm seeds, obtain fresh seeds and
plant immediately in a well-aerated medium approximately 1 cm deep. Maintain
moist, but not wet conditions and germination temperatures of 75 800F. If
seed are stored, maintain high humidity and temperatures of 70-750F.

References

1. Donselman, H. 1982. Palm seed germination studies. Proc. Fla. State

Hort. Soc. 95:256-257.

2. Loomis, H. F. 1961. Culture of the palms, preparation and germination

of palm seeds. The Horticultural Magazine 49(1):128-132.

3. Poole, R. T. and C. A. Conover. 1974. Germination of Neanthe Bella

palm seeds. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 87:429-430.

4. Shenkel, K. L. 1981. Propagating Raphis humilis palms by seed. The

Plant Propagator 27:8.

5. Wonkyi-appiah, J. B. 1973. Effect of duration of heat treatment on

germination of dura oil palm seed. Ghana Jnl. Agric. Sci. 7:57-59.

Table 1. Germination (%) of Neanthe

Storage humidity
10%
90%
Planting date
Oct. 16
Nov. 13
Dec. 11
Germination temp. (OF)

% Germination

Storage temp. (OF)
40
80

Best treatment
Planted immediately
Germination temperature -

not significant

Table 2. Germination (%) of Neanthe Bella Palm 1981.

Storage humidity

% Germination

Storage temp. (OF)
40
80
Planting date
Oct. 8
Nov. 19,
Germination temp. (F)

Best treatment 80
Planted immediately
800F Germination temperature

Bella Palm 1980