It is a beautiful palm tree that is very commonly kept and grown in houses and makes a beautiful houseplant. They are native to the Lord Howe island of Australia.  Let’s have a look at some facts and care sheet of these palms.

Facts & Care Sheet

Maximum height: 60 feet

Maximum width(spread): 15 to 20 feet

Native range: Lord Howe Island

Scientific name: Howea forsteriana

Other common name(s): Thatch palm, sentry palm

Growth rate: Slow

Propagation: By seeds

Hardiness: Moderate

Sun: Bright indirect sunlight is preferred. They will also tolerate lower light levels.

Water: Being native to a tropical area, they prefer the soil to be moist most of the times. However, allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry before watering it again. The Kentia palm will die of continual dryness or over watering.

Soil: Soil that is rich in organic matter and well-drained.

Fertilizer requirements: Fertilize in summers for a better health.

Poisonous: No

Fruit: Oval shaped, 2 inch in diameter.

Cold tolerance: Moderate, Can tolerate temperatures down to 23 degrees Fahrenheit. However, such low temperatures for an extended period can harm the plant.

Drought tolerance: Moderate to low

Propagation

Propagation is done by seeds. Normally palm seeds germinate properly in when kept in warmer temperatures, however the Kentia palm is an exception in this regard, maybe due to being a native of Lord Howe Island. They can germinate in lower temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit, nut warmer temperature is preferred. The Kentia palm seeds normally take 1 to 3 months for the germination process to complete.

Beautiful Kentia Palms (Image property of Black Diamond Images @ Flicker)