Propagation by offshoots

Propagation by offshoot is asexual propagation. This begins with the care of the mother palm at least a year before the offshoot is to be cut. If the earth around the palm stem is kept moist, the offshoot is more likely to put out its own roots, therefore, be in better condition to establish itself when removed and transplanted.

 Too much moisture should be avoided since offshoots tend to ferment when transplanted. The best time to remove an offshoot is when the mother palm is in a dormant condition. In general, the extreme heat of the summer and the extreme of cold of the winter should be avoided; best times are early spring and fall, although offshoots have been planted successfully in all months of the year. Offshoots, which are buds produced in the axils of dead leaves of the palm, usually appear at or below the ground surface because the greater moisture there is favorable to their growth. Small offshoots, which appear well up on the trunk and have no independent root system, are usually destroyed, as being of no value. In humid localities and in some varieties, offshoots are more likely to appear above the surface of the ground. If the mother palm is planted deep in the earth, offshoots will start underground. In many parts of the world it is the custom to set out young palms in holes a 50-70 cm (about 2 feet) deep.

The advantages of propagation by offshoots are:

1-     The offshoot is truly like mother palm.

2-     The offshoot fruit is of the same quality as the fruit of the mother palm.

3-     The offshoot gives fruit in 3 to 4 years.

  The mother palm can give 20 to 30 offshoots in its early life between 10 and 18 years old.

Offshoots must be pest free. In selecting offshoots on the palms, one preferably takes those that are about 2 to 5 years old, which have started well underground, and weigh an average of 10 kg (about 22 lb). The signs of mature offshoots are the appearance of their own roots and leaves. Offshoots weighing 5 kg or less may be used, but they should be grown in a nursery and must be treated with pesticides, especially fungicide. Offshoots can also be directly planted in their permanent positions in the field.

When can I remove and plant offshoots?

How can I remove the offshoots?

How can I plant the offshoots?  

More information about propagation by offshoots