Kentia Palm
Howea forsteriana
Elegant slow-growing palm with gracefully arching dark-green fronds. A Victorian parlour favourite that still looks impeccable in modern interiors. Tolerates lower light and more neglect than most palms.
Best rooms for kentia palm
Light requirements
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
Tolerates shade and north-facing windows with limited natural light.
How to care for kentia palm
Handles low light better than any other indoor palm. Water when the top few centimetres dry out. Avoid waterlogging — ensure the pot drains freely. Wipe fronds occasionally. Feed monthly spring-summer. Very slow growing so rarely needs repotting. Minimum 10°C.
Watering
Water when the top 2–3cm of compost feels dry. Roughly weekly.
Propagation
- Seed (very slow — takes months to germinate)
Toxicity
This plant is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
Common problems
- Brown frond tips from dry air or chemicals in tap water
- Scale insects on frond undersides
- Overwatering causes root rot
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