Question
I have a few questions about seeds and propagation. First off I have tried growing bananas, lithops, and olive (olea) from seed with no luck. do you have any reccomendations for special things? I was also wondering if I take a cutting from my norfolk island pine will it branch out from the leaf nodes even further down the "trunk". thanks in advance,
nathan

Answer
Hi Nathan,
Thanx for your questions.

Banana seeds should be soaked in warm water for 48 hours and then planted 1 inch deep in rich potting soil.  Keep the soil very warm 80-90 F if possible.  Keep the soil moist too.  Germination takes place in as little as a couple of weeks to 6 months so have patience.  I抳e had them germinate very erratically.

Lithops 朌epending upon what species you have will determine which method you should use for propagating you lithops seed.  I have just sprinkle them on top of cactus soil and had them germinate in a couple of weeks.  Here is a link to some information I think you will find helpful regarding you lithops.
http://www.cactusinfo.net/seedlings.htm

olive (olea)are generally not propagated from seed but from cuttings.  The seeds have a slow, low and unreliable germination rate.  The only thing I can suggest on these is first, soak the seed for 2 weeks, changing the water as it gets cloudy.  Next, wrap the seed in a damp paper towel and put it in a plastic baggie and store in the fridge for 60 days.  After that, plant the seeds 1 inch deep in a pot or seed flat.  Keep the soil moist and warm.  It could take months, even longer for germination.  

Norfolk Island pines are propagated from seed.  They are very difficult to root unless you have access to a commercial rooting hormone.  If you take side cuttings, it is said that the cuttings will not grow up but out.  I would advise the seed method.

I hope this helps.
Tom