Everything you need to know about the Kentia Palm. Varieties, care, ideal location, and our XXL Kentia Palm collection, all in one place.
The most important thing in 30 seconds
+The Kentia Palm (Howea Forsteriana) is an elegant palm from Lord Howe Island, near Australia.
+It loves indirect sunlight and is one of the most shade-tolerant indoor palms.
+Pet-friendly and non-toxic to dogs or cats, ideal for households with pets.
+Grows slowly and requires little maintenance, perfect for beginner plant enthusiasts.
+Fits in both classic and modern interiors, from Boho to Scandinavian.
+Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring, fertilize during the growing season.
About this Kentia Palm planting guide
The Kentia Palm, botanically known as Howea Forsteriana, is an elegant palm species loved worldwide for its graceful appearance. This palm originates from Lord Howe Island near Australia and has been used since Victorian times as a stately indoor plant in salons and grand hotels.
The Kentia Palm owes its popularity to two special characteristics. First, it is patient and forgiving; it tolerates less light than many other palms and has a surprisingly low maintenance level. In addition, it grows slowly and gracefully into a stately presence that enhances both classic and modern interiors.
In this guide, you will discover the differences between the Kentia and its popular competitor, the Areca palm. Plus, learn where the palm comes from, how to care for it, which interior styles it best matches, and which XXL Kentia Palms we offer in our collection.
Whether you want to fill a stately corner in your living room or brighten up an office with greenery, this guide gives you all the insights to choose the right Kentia Palm and keep it healthy, delivered fresh from the grower to your home.
Did you know?
Three facts about the Kentia Palm that you may not have known yet.
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Comes from Lord Howe Island
The Kentia palm grows wild only on Lord Howe Island, a small volcanic island between Australia and New Zealand. Its seeds are an important export for the island.
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Popular in Victorian palaces
Queen Victoria loved the Kentia palm so much that she asked for Kentias to be present at her funeral. Since then the plant has been a symbol of classic elegance.
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Improves air quality
The Kentia palm is on the NASA Clean Air Study list as one of the best plants for removing harmful substances from the air. A healthy addition to any room.
Kentia Palm types and differences
Young Kentia (60 to 100 cm)
Hoogte, 60 to 100 cm
Light green foliage, ideal for partial shade. Perfect for small spaces or as a starter plant.
Mature Kentia (120 to 180 cm)
Hoogte, 120 to 180 cm
Deep green foliage, thrives in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Ideal size for a living room or study.
XXL Kentia (200cm plus)
Hoogte, 200 to 270 cm
Dark green foliage, a statement plant for a bright, spacious room or loft.
Top 5 Kentia Palm
Onze favoriete planten voor een Kentia Palm interieur, gekozen door onze stylingexperts. Met per plant de reden waarom hij werkt.
Voeg top planten toe via het pillar_top_plants metafield op deze pagina.
Kentia Palm care step by step
Follow these steps to keep your Kentia Palm healthy.
1
Watergift
Water the Kentia palm regularly during the growing season. Keep the compost slightly moist but never soggy. Water about once a week in spring and summer and once every 10 to 14 days in winter. Lukewarm tap water is fine.
2
Light and location
Place the Kentia in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. A Kentia also tolerates partial shade, making it suitable for less bright corners where other palms will not grow.
3
Bemesting
Feed the Kentia palm every 2 weeks during the growing season from March to September with palm feed or general houseplant food. Do not feed in the winter months. Always dilute the feed as per the packaging.
4
Verpotten
Repot your Kentia every 2 to 3 years in spring. Choose a pot 3 to 5 centimetres larger in diameter. Use palm compost or houseplant compost with perlite for good drainage. Gently shake off the old soil.
5
Bladonderhoud
Dust the Kentia's leaves regularly with a damp cloth for optimal photosynthesis. Remove leaves that have turned yellow or brown at the stem. Only trim tips when they are genuinely brown, not as a precaution.
Frequently asked questions about the Kentia Palm
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Kentia Palm.
How often should I water my Kentia palm?+
A Kentia palm wants water once a week in spring and summer and once every 10 to 14 days in autumn and winter. Only water when the top two centimetres of soil feel dry.
Is the Kentia palm safe for pets?+
Yes, the Kentia palm is a pet-friendly choice. According to the ASPCA it is not toxic to dogs or cats on contact or if small amounts are eaten.
What is the difference between a Kentia and an Areca palm?+
A Kentia palm has broad, gracefully arching fronds and grows upright on a single stem. An Areca has feathery fronds in clusters and produces multiple stems. The Kentia is more shade-tolerant than the Areca.
How long does a Kentia palm live?+
With good care a Kentia palm can live for 40 to 60 years. In the wild they even exceed 100 years. Indoors they grow slowly but very steadily.
Why are my Kentia's leaf tips turning brown?+
Brown leaf tips are usually caused by dry air, too little water or too much direct sun. Raise humidity by misting regularly and check your watering. Only trim brown tips at an angle, just before the healthy green.
Can a Kentia palm stand in the shade?+
Yes, the Kentia is one of the most shade-tolerant palms. It thrives in partly shaded spots where other palms will not grow. Do avoid deep dark corners without any daylight, though.
How do I repot my Kentia palm?+
Repot your Kentia in spring. Choose a pot 3 to 5 centimetres larger than the current one. Use palm compost with perlite. Gently shake off the old soil, place it in the new pot, top up with compost and water well afterwards.
Which size Kentia palm fits my space?+
For living rooms of 20 square metres or more a Kentia of 150 to 200 centimetres works well. For compact spaces or bedrooms a Kentia of 80 to 120 centimetres is ideal. XXL Kentias from 220 centimetres are a statement piece for large loft spaces.
Plant concepts explained
Arecaceae
The scientific family name to which all palms belong, including the Kentia.
Fronde
The large compound palm fronds of the Kentia, made up of small leaflets.
Howea
The genus the Kentia palm belongs to, named after Lord Howe Island.
Crown of mature leaves
The top layer of mature leaves that the Kentia renews each year.
Phototropisme
The turning of leaves towards the light, clearly visible in Kentias by a window.
Solitary plant
A plant that stands alone in a pot, a perfect description of the Kentia.
Prachtige bananenplant ontvangen. Groot, frisgroen blad en duidelijk van goede kwaliteit. Hij werd stevig verpakt geleverd en kwam zonder schade aan.
De plant staat hier in op kantoor en geeft meteen veel sfeer. Verzorging is tot nu toe eenvoudig en hij oogt erg gezond. Zeer tevreden over de kwaliteit en service. Zeker een aanrader om hier te bestellen. Ik had 3 planten tegelijk besteld - alle 3 waren ze top.
De Ficus Lyrata is precies zoals verwacht. Mooie volle plant, gezond blad en netjes op hoogte. Hij kwam goed verpakt binnen en had geen beschadigingen.
Staat hier nu een paar weken op kantoor en doet het uitstekend. Duidelijke verzorging, geen gedoe. Prijs-kwaliteit klopt en de levering was snel. Ik zou hier zeker opnieuw bestellen.
Prachtige Kentia palm echt een goed website om planten te kopen!
Prachtige palm. Volle bladeren. 15cm hoger dan aangegeven (altijd goed). Geen dode punten, mooi groen. Werd geleverd in een op maat gemaakte kartonnendoos. Erg stevig - blij mee!
