Germination of seeds from species like Elaeis oleifera, the American oil palm, involves several critical steps and factors that influence the success rate. These palms, like many tropical species, have certain requirements for temperature, moisture, and light, and their seeds may exhibit dormancy behaviors that need to be overcome. 

1. **Seed Collection and Storage**: Fresh seeds often have a higher germination rate than older seeds. After collection, seeds should not be allowed to dry out, and they should be planted as soon as possible. If storage is necessary, seeds should be kept in a cool, dark, and moist environment to prevent them from drying or rotting.

2. **Cleaning and Preparation**: Remove the outer fruit flesh, as it can inhibit germination and may attract pests. Some growers also recommend soaking the seeds in water for a few days or applying a fungicide to prevent fungal growth.

3. **Overcoming Seed Dormancy**: Some seeds have built-in mechanisms to prevent germination until conditions are optimal. Scarification (physically breaking the seed coat) or stratification (exposing seeds to cold temperatures) are common methods used with various seeds, but research is needed to determine if these processes benefit Elaeis oleifera seeds.

4. **Planting Medium**: Use a planting medium that is well-draining but retains moisture. A mix of quality potting soil with some sand or perlite often works well. The medium should be sterile to minimize the risk of fungal or bacterial infections.

5. **Depth and Position**: Plant the seeds at the right depth in the planting medium, usually about half an inch to an inch deep, depending on the size of the seed. The seed should be placed horizontally with the eye spot (the point from which the sprout will emerge) facing sideways or upwards.

6. **Temperature and Humidity**: Maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level. For most tropical palms, this means a temperature range of about 75-90 degrees Fahrenheit (24-32 degrees Celsius) and high humidity. Using a heat mat and a humidity dome or plastic bag can help maintain these conditions.

7. **Light**: While the seeds do not require light to germinate, the seedlings will need plenty of indirect sunlight once they emerge.

8. **Watering**: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause the seeds to rot.

9. **Patience and Care**: Germination for Elaeis oleifera can take several weeks to a few months. Keep the conditions consistent, and be patient.

10. **Transplanting**: Once the seedlings have developed a set of true leaves, they can be carefully transplanted to larger pots with similar soil composition.

Remember, the key factors in successful palm seed germination are heat, moisture, and patience. Also, it's beneficial to plant several seeds at once since not all seeds will germinate. Always refer to species-specific guidelines, if available, as these can provide additional insights into optimal germination conditions.