Kentia Palm, Howea Forsteriana
Upright Palm with Beautiful, Arching, Dark Green Leaves
Doing a little channel surfing, I ran across one of those old movies.
In the background was one of the toughest and most elegant interior plants
around - the Kentia palm.
The botanical name is Howea Fosteriana, but
is known more commonly as the Kentia or the sentry palm. The
Kentia is an upright palm with beautiful, arching, dark green
leaves. Its use as an indoor palm dates back to the socialite
days of the Victorian era.
Kentias are generally available in the 5-12 foot range for
indoor use. Where it is native, Lord Howe Island east of Australia,
the Kentia palm can reach a height of 60 feet. Today, seed is
still imported from the island and grown in both Hawaii and
California.
Kentias
do not have a tap root, and does very well as a containerized palm. They
are usually grown as single plants until they reach a certain height.
Then they are matched up and planted as multiples of 2 to 5 plants per
pot and grown on. This process can take 4 to 7 years before they are ready
for sale.
Although the Kentia is versatile and will tolerate lower light
levels, a bright indirect morning sunshine location should provide
enough light and intensity to sustain the plant and allow for
proper care.
Light Indicator
Here is a "light indicator" for Kentia palm plant care - in
low light the plant may only hold 4 6 fronds, in medium light
levels you may see twice as many fronds. So, generally the more
indirect light the better.
These palms grow pretty tall in rather small pots. When watering make sure the entire root ball is watered, and
allow a least one half of the potting media to dry. DO NOT keep the root ball moist or wet all the time or rotting will
occur.
How Will You Know If You Over Watered Your Kentia?
Look for the fronds with yellowing tips, then yellow speckling and followed by browning. During the winter time
be especially careful not to over water your kentia.
What Happens With Underwatering?
An under watered Howea will develop tips that are brown, and the fronds will not be as erect and possibly leaning.
Kentias are slow growers. While caring for them if you must
prune do so selectively to the leaves and don't remove the entire
frond.
The Kentia is a great interior plant like Rhapis, and more expensive
than other palms like the Majesty Palm. A properly maintained and cared
for Kentia palm can be enjoyed for years and years.
