Source: Wikimedia Commons
Kentia Palm
BeginnerHowea forsteriana
The classic indoor palm, spreading arching feather-shaped leaves from a single trunk. Native only to Lord Howe Island, Australia, it copes well with low light, dry air and other indoor hardships.
About
The kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) is an evergreen palm endemic to Lord Howe Island, Australia; the genus is named after the island and the common name after its main settlement. It is a single-stemmed palm with pinnate leaves that can reach 10 m tall and 6 m wide with fronds up to 3 m long in the wild, though it grows slowly. It became hugely popular as an indoor palm in Europe and America from the late nineteenth century, gracing hotel and restaurant palm courts. Its appeal lies in tolerating low light, dust, central heating, rough handling and other indoor conditions that most palms cannot, and it remains a staple houseplant. It is often confused with the related Belmore sentry palm (H. belmoreana) from the same island, but the kentia has leaves that are not strongly recurved and grows faster and more easily. Pot plants are often sold with several seedlings together, but it does not produce suckers. Seed in world trade is still mainly collected on Lord Howe Island, and the trade is tightly regulated. Potassium deficiency, which kills the tips of older leaflets, is the most common disorder. In Japan it is widely sold as a large pot plant.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Kentia Palm
The Kentia Palm grows to Up to 10 m tall and 6 m wide with 3 m fronds in the wild; slow growing and manageable indoors.
Basic Info
Origin
Australia (Lord Howe Island)
Lifespan
Perennial evergreen (long-lived)
Size
Up to 10 m tall and 6 m wide with 3 m fronds in the wild; slow growing and manageable indoors
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Sparing: occasional houseplant fertiliser, or a little slow-release feed
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Tolerates low light well, but a bright indoor spot out of direct sun is best. Avoid direct sun if moved outdoors.
Watering
Do not let the mix dry out completely. It tolerates some drought, but avoid poorly drained, soggy conditions.
Temperature & Overwintering
Temperatures comfortable for people suit it. It is not cold hardy, so in winter keep it in a warm room away from cold draughts.
Soil & Repotting
Use a well-drained, humus-rich mix that does not dry out. Growth is slow, so repotting is infrequent.
Fertiliser
Feed sparingly with houseplant fertiliser; slow-release feed is ideal. Dead tips on older leaflets can signal potassium deficiency, and distorted new leaves boron deficiency.
Propagation
It is single-stemmed and produces no suckers, so it cannot be divided; propagation is from seed.
Pests & Cautions
Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, scale and fungal leaf spot. It is listed as non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Kentia Palm FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Kentia Palm?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Kentia Palm get?
The mature size of Kentia Palm is Up to 10 m tall and 6 m wide with 3 m fronds in the wild; slow growing and manageable indoors. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Kentia Palm?
Kentia Palm: watering & fertilizer — Sparing: occasional houseplant fertiliser, or a little slow-release feed. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Kentia Palm?
The price of Kentia Palm varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Not a designated invasive alien species in Japan, nor a nationally rare species under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing check) / Ministry of the Environment: List of Invasive Alien Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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