Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)

Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)

Howea forsteriana, commonly known as the Kentia Palm, is an elegant and relatively easy-care houseplant with long, arching fronds and a graceful, tropical appearance. It’s a great choice for adding height and greenery to indoor spaces and is more tolerant of lower light than many other palms.

Where to position

Choose a bright to medium-light position with plenty of indirect light. Kentia Palms can tolerate lower light levels, although growth may be slower.

Avoid strong, direct sunlight, particularly through glass, as this can scorch the fronds.

Give the plant plenty of space around it so the fronds can spread naturally.

Watering

• Allow the top few centimetres of compost to dry slightly between waterings.
• Check the compost before watering.
• Water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain away.
• Don't leave the plant sitting in water.
• Reduce watering during the cooler, darker months.
• Avoid allowing the compost to become completely dry for prolonged periods.

Top watering tip: Kentia Palms prefer being slightly on the dry side rather than sitting in constantly wet compost.

Temperature & humidity

Kentia Palms enjoy warm, stable indoor temperatures and moderate humidity.

Keep away from cold draughts, chilly windows and radiators. They are generally quite tolerant of normal household humidity, but appreciate extra humidity during particularly dry conditions.

Avoid sudden changes in temperature, which can cause stress and damage to the fronds.

Feeding & repotting

Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertiliser.

Repot when the roots become crowded, usually every few years. Kentia Palms prefer to be slightly root-bound, so avoid moving them into a pot that is much larger than the existing one.

Use a good-quality, free-draining houseplant compost and make sure the pot has adequate drainage.

Common problems

Brown leaf tips
Often caused by dry air, underwatering or a build-up of salts from hard water or fertiliser. Increasing humidity and using filtered or rainwater can help.

Yellow leaves
Can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage or natural ageing of older fronds. Allow the compost to dry slightly between waterings.

Drooping fronds
May indicate that the plant is too dry, although overwatering and root problems can also cause wilting.

Brown patches on the leaves
Can be caused by too much direct sunlight, cold temperatures or inconsistent watering.

Slow growth
Kentia Palms are naturally slow-growing indoors, particularly in lower light. This is normal and doesn't necessarily indicate a problem.

Top tips

• Give it bright, indirect light: It can tolerate lower light but grows best with good filtered light.
• Don't overwater: Allow the top of the compost to dry slightly between waterings.
• Keep it away from radiators: Dry heat can cause brown leaf tips.
• Provide good drainage: Never allow the roots to sit in excess water.
• Keep it warm: Protect from cold draughts and sudden temperature changes.
• Be patient: Kentia Palms are naturally slow-growing, so don't worry if new growth takes time.
• Wipe the fronds occasionally: This removes dust and helps keep the foliage looking fresh.

Pet & child safety

Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana) is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a good choice for pet-friendly homes. It is still best to discourage pets and young children from chewing or eating the plant.