Wanninayaka, R.P.P.2021-05-172021-05-172013UWU/PLT/09/0047http://www.erepo.lib.uwu.ac.lk/bitstream/handle/123456789/6724/UWULD%20PLT%2009%200047-18042019095035.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=yAreca nut (Areca catechu L.) is a species of palm which grows in much of the Tropical Pacific Asia and parts of East Africa. The areca nut palms are utilized in diverse purposes. Specially as a food, stimulant, fuel, constructional material and ornamental purposes. Generally areca nut palms get more than six months to germinate and germination percentage is very low. Finding the factors affecting to seed germination of areca nut palm and the best seed treatment which increases the germination percentage and reduces the time taken to germinate the areca nut is obviously necessary. A sample of 576 areca nut seeds was taken. As treatment of soaking time three time periods: were taken, 24 hr, 48 hr, 72 hr and control treatment without soaking were taken. Black polythene, straw and paddy husk as mulching materials and control without mulch were used. Twelve seeds were sown in each plastic tray in three replicates. Temperature and Relative Humidity in shade house and temperature under mulching materials were measured in two days intervals. Rooting was observed daily. Finally 48 hr soaking time was the best soaking period and black polythene was the best mulching material. To obtain high germination percentage in short time ideal temperature was 30 °C to 35 °C and relative humidity was 65% to 70%. Key Words: Areca catechu L., Ornamental palm, Germination percentage, Mulching material, Temperature, Relative Humidity.enPalm and Latex Technology and Value Addition Degree Programme ( PLT)Thesis