Howea Forsteriana (aka Kentia Palm).
Words & Photo by Plant Sit
The Kentia palm first gained popularity as a houseplant in the late 19th Century during the Victorian era. Originating from Australia, this palm was seen at the forefront amongst other palms and was widely used to create an instant sub-tropical environment.
Water
During the summer months: Keep the soil moist (not damp), allowing the surface of the soil to dry out between watering.
During the winter months: Ensure your Kentia can dry out almost fully between waterings, and do not allow for the plant to stand in any excess water as this could lead to root rot.
Light
This palm prefers bright indirect light to partly shaded conditions - direct sunlight can cause the leaves to discolour and possibly scorch.
Humidity & temperature
Palms such as the Kentia prefer a medium humidity in temperatures of 18⁰C-25⁰C – avoid allowing the temperatures to get below 10°C as they are not frost hardy.
Feed
Use a mild liquid feed once a month during the spring and summer months to encourage new growth – avoid giving too much feed as this can cause the leaves to burn!
A little extra…
Brown leaf tips usually indicate a low humidity, so misting the leaves will help to increase this as well as remove any accumulated dust from the leaves - standing the container on a tray of stones (aka a pebble tray) filled with water just below the surface will also help increase the humidity.
If you have any more questions about your Kentia, hop over to our Instagram & drop us a DM, or book an online consultation so we can chat about your plants 🌿