Kentia Palm

Botanical Name: Howea forsteriana

Over many years, a kentia palm can reach several feet in height, making it striking, tropical floor plant. Give it some elbow room, too. Those elegant, arching fans can be as much as 1 ft (30 cm) wide and 2 ft (60 cm) long.

All kentia palms grow from a single trunk, but growers typically plant several together for a lush, full appearance.

The palm family is large, but only a few kinds of palm trees are tolerant of average home conditions. This dramatic palm is one.

How to Care for Kentia Palm Indoors

Shed some light. Kentias tolerate shade better than some, but you'll get a healthier, greener plant by giving your palm bright, indirect light year-round. Take care not to put it in direct sunlight, which may cause brown scorch marks on its leaves.

Give it a shower. Keep the fronds dust-free by giving your palm a shower. This has the added benefit of flushing the soil of built-up fertilizer. Use a gentle flow of tepid water. Or, stand the plant outdoors for a gentle summer (warm) rain shower. Remember to keep your palm out of direct sun.

Repot only when needed. Planting palm trees is only necessary every 3 years at the most. Kentias are slow-growing and don't like to be disturbed. Their roots are fragile, so handle them with care.

Height: Grows slowly, but can reach up to 8 ft (2.4 m) indoors

Light: Bright, indirect sunlight

Water: Keep soil evenly moist spring through fall; slightly drier in winter.

Humidity: Moderate to high humidity. Use a humidity tray or mist the foliage regularly. You may need to use a room humidifier, especially in the winter.

Temperature: Average room temperatures 60-75°F, 16-24°C

Soil: Peat moss-based potting mix with added sand for quick drainage.

Fertilizer: Feed once in spring and once in summer with a slow-release fertilizer. Don't feed in fall and winter when growth has slowed.

Propagation: Seed