Kentia Palm

Kentia Palm Soil

Howea Forsteriana is not picky and doesn’t mind too much as to which growing medium they are grown in, just as long as it is well-draining. Therefore, a variety of growing mediums would be suitable for this plant. If using a commercial potting mix, try amending the soil with perlite to increase drainage. 

Kentia Palm Fertilizer

Kentia Palm plants will benefit from a slow-release granular fertilizer indicated for palms. However, ensure that you follow all label instructions, as too much fertilizer may cause your palm harm. Your palm may also need additional potassium supplementation, as Kentia Palms are prone to potassium deficiency, which may present as necrosis on tips of foliage. 

Kentia Palm Watering

Howea Forsteriana prefers to be consistently moist but not oversaturated with water. Depending on growing conditions, you will likely need to water your Kentia palm weekly during the warm growing season. In fall and winter, when the plant is not actively growing, the watering frequency may be reduced. Allow your plant’s soil to dry between waterings. Too much water will lead to yellowing foliage. Alternatively, brown foliage likely indicates your Kentia Palm requires more water. 

Kentia Palm Light Requirements

Howea Forsteriana should be kept in indirect sunlight, ideally between 6 to 8 hours a day. While this palm will tolerate low light conditions, foliage will be more prolific if kept in filtered sunlight/partial shade. Howea Forsteriana should not be kept in direct sunlight, as this will likely lead to sun scorching. 

Kentia Palm Temperature & Humidity

Being a tropical plant, Howea Forsteriana prefers to be kept in a warm, humid growing environment. Although the Kentia Palm is considered a hardy palm that may tolerate temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit, it will be happiest if kept in temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Your kentia palm will benefit from added humidity like many other tropical plants. You may aid your plant’s growth by spritzing its foliage periodically or installing a pebble tray or humidifier. 

Repotting Kentia Palm

As a slow-growing palm, the Kentia Palm will do fine kept in a 3 gallon container for some time. However, when your palm gets too tall and large for its container, you should repot it into a 5 gallon container with a drainage hole. Water your palm thoroughly the day before repotting. Be careful not to disturb the Palms roots when repotting, as they are very delicate. 

Kentia Palm Maintenance & Pruning

You should periodically prune your Kentia Palm to remove any diseased, discolored, or dead fronds, by using sharp, clean shears. Dust the plant’s leaves weekly for the plant to be able to absorb sunlight.

Kentia Palm Propagation

Propagating Kentia Palm may only be done by seed. 

Kentia Palm Toxicity

The Kentia Palm tree is considered non-toxic to humans, cats, and dogs, which is great for individuals with pets who like to dig in the soil.

Toxicity to Humans

Luckily. Kentia Palm is not considered toxic to humans and is safe to keep around small children and babies. However, you still should not ingest this plant. 

Toxicity to Cats & Dogs

Kentia Palm is not considered toxic to cats or dogs and is safe to keep around them. However, you should not allow your animal to ingest this plant as it may cause damage to your palm and cause digestive upset to your animal. 

Kentia Palm Problems

Kentia Palm Leaves Turning Yellow

The Kentia Palm will often display yellowing foliage when it receives too much water. Therefore, ensure that you do not overwater your palm. 

Kentia Palm Leaves Turning Brown

When the foliage of Howea Forsteriana turns brown, it is most often due to a lack of water or humidity. Water the Palm to keep the soil moist and trim away any brown leaves once you notice them.

Kentia Palm Diseases

The Kentia Palm is not known to have many particular issues with diseases. However, they may become susceptible to fungal leaf spot issues and root rot, often related to overwatering. 

Kentia Palm Pests

As with many other indoor plants, indoor pests may become a nuisance for the kentia palm. Mealybugs, spider mites, and other common indoor houseplant pests may infest Howea Forsteriana. Isolate your plant and treat it with a pesticide such as neem oil or insecticidal soap upon identifying an infestation. Ensure that you follow all label instructions. It is also important to note that the Kentia Palm is sensitive to alcohol-based pest treatments. These should be avoided, as they may lead to excessive drying of fronds. 

OTHER Palm RESOURCES:

• Palm Guides
• Other Palm Plants
• Foxtail Palm Plant Guide
• Parlor Palm Plant Guide
• Areca Palm Plant Guide