Howea forsteriana aka Kentia Palm

Taxonomy

The Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana) is an elegant and expensive species of palm, native to Lord Howe Island off the eastern Australian coast. It is a slow-growing and durable species that can reach up to 10 m (33 ft) tall with fronds reaching 3 m (10 ft) long and, for indoor containerized growing, heights can fall anywhere between 5 to 12 ft. It is named after Johann Reinhold Forster and Georg Forster, father and son, who accompanied Captain Cook on his second voyage to the Pacific in 1772–1775 and is considered Vulnerable by the World Conservation Union. This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit and is traded as an ornamental garden or house plant, tightly regulated on Lord Howe Island. Kentia palms are popular indoor plants in temperate climates since they are well-suited to containers and can survive dust, low light, central heating, and drought. Due to their large size, they can be used as focal points in interior and exterior landscapes.

Common names

Kentia Palm, Sentrypalm, Thatch Palm

How to care for Kentia Palm

Difficulty

Kentia Palm presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Kentia Palm should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Kentia Palm loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Kentia Palm prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Kentia Palm is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

No additional humidity is required for the Kentia Palm. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Kentia Palm is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

Kentia Palm grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Kentia Palm’s native range is Lord Howe Island, Australia.

Flower

Yes, if you provide it with the correct amount of sunlight and water, you can witness your Kentia Palm blooming.


More info:
Wikipedia