Howea forsteriana; Thatch palm; Paradise palm plant

Why We Love the Kentia Palm

If you want a plant people will notice, the Kentia Palm is for you. A classic palm, big and showy but low-maintenance.

Kentia Palm Care Tips

Light Watering

Check the plant about once a week and water if the top two inches of soil feel dry.

Humidity

The palm appreciates moist air to keep the fronds fresh. That’s easily done by misting a couple of times a week.

Medium light

Kentia Palm are happiest in any room that gets a lot of light. Harsh sun is a bit much, so ideally not right next to a window.

About the Kentia Palm

The Kentia palm originated on Lord Howe Island (population: 382), a tiny piece of land off the east coast of Australia. The island gives the palm its botanical name, Howea forsteriana. It’s a slow grower that can take decades to reach its maximum height of 10 metres.

In the 1870s, the Kentia palm came to the UK. The Victorians loved an exotic status symbol and grew it as a houseplant. It coped bravely with the poor light and air in Victorian homes. Queen Victoria herself was a big fan, insisting palms were placed around her coffin when she died.

This is still an incredibly popular houseplant, but now we can give it a much better life. It has simple needs. It likes lots of bright light, but not harsh direct sun. Regular misting will keep its leaves fresh and green. It’s a royal favourite. It deserves respect.

Did you know?

Kentia palms were used for decoration on The Titanic. In first class, naturally.