Kentia Palm
Howea forsteriana
The Kentia Palm is an elegant, slow-growing palm with a slender trunk and arching, feathery fronds. Native to Lord Howe Island, it has been a reliable indoor palm since Victorian times because it handles typical home conditions better than many palms.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
Moderate
Pet Friendly
Howea forsteriana is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
Care Notes
Light
Bright, indirect light is preferred, but Kentia tolerates lower light better than most palms. Keep direct sun off the fronds to avoid scorch.
Water
Let the top 1 to 2 inches of soil dry, then water thoroughly. Use a pot with drainage holes and reduce watering in winter.
Soil
Plant in a quality, well-draining mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Avoid heavy soils that stay wet.
Humidity and Temperature
Aim for 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) and moderate humidity. Mist occasionally or use a humidifier if your air is dry. Wipe fronds with a damp cloth to remove dust and discourage spider mites or mealybugs. Only prune fronds that are fully brown.
Common Issues
Brown tips often mean dry air or inconsistent watering. Yellow fronds can signal overwatering.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid palm fertilizer with micronutrients
Soil
High-quality, well-draining potting mix, ideally with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
5 to 12 feet indoors
Growth Rate
Slow
Propagation
Propagated primarily through seeds, though this is a very slow process; division is generally not recommended as palms have sensitive root systems.
Common Varieties
Howea forsteriana (Standard Kentia)
Graceful arching fronds of deep forest green with long, slender leaflets that taper to drooping points.
Howea belmoreana (Sentry Palm)
A more compact, upright palm with darker green fronds that arch more sharply and hold leaflets closer together than the standard Kentia.