After renewal, the new reproductive stem will take 2-3 years to start fruiting. For pejibaye palmito production, planting space should be about 1.5x1.5 m. The first harvest is done when 2-5 internodes are visible on the trunk, which is about two years after field planting. Three to four shoots are retained per mat for maximum palmito yield, and one per mat for best palmito size. Until recently the pejibaye has been relatively free of pests and diseases, principally because it has been a low density agro-forestry component rather than a monoculture.
Several diseases attack the fruit, generally after an initial insect has caused lesion.
Phytophthera has been identified as an occasional problem in Costa Rica and may be expected to spread, especially in poorly managed and fertilized plantations. Leaf mites attack certain genotypes in some areas. Coleoptera and Diptera fruit and seed borers are frequently found. Germplasm is available from most countries on an exchange basis between institutions. Private individuals looking for seed should contact the national germplasm bank and ask for local commercial sources.