THE KENTIA PALM - HOWEA FOSTERIANA

Doing a little channel surfing, I ran across one of those old movies. In the background was one of the toughest and most elegant interior plants around - the Kentia palm.

The botanical name is HOWEA FOSTERIANA, but is known more commonly as the Kentia or the sentry palm. The Kentia is an upright palm with beautiful, arching, dark green leaves. Its use dates back to the socialite days of the Victorian era.

Kentias are generally available in the 5-12 foot range for indoor use. Where it is native, Lord Howe Island east of Australia, these palms can reach a height of 60 feet. Today, seed is still imported from the island and grown in both Hawaii and California.

Kentias do not have a tap root, and does very well as a containerized palm. They are usually grown as singles until they reach an expectable height. Then they are matched up and planted as multiples of 2 to 5 plants per pot and grown on. This process can take 4 to 7 years before they are ready for sale.

Although the Kentia is versatile and will tolerate lower light levels, a bright indirect morning sunshine location should provide enough light and intensity to sustain the plant.

LIGHT INDICATOR

Here is a "light indicator" in low light the plant may only hold 4 – 6 fronds, in medium light levels you may see twice as many fronds. So, generally the more indirect light the better.

These palms grow pretty tall in rather small pots. When watering make sure the entire root ball is watered, and allow a least one half of the potting media to dry. DO NOT keep the root ball moist or wet all the time or rotting will occur.

HOW WILL YOU KNOW IF YOU OVER WATERED YOUR KENTIA? 

Look for the fronds with yellowing tips, then yellow speckling and followed by browning. During the winter time be especially careful not to over water your kentia.

WHAT HAPPENS WITH UNDERWATERING?

An under watered Howea will develop tips that are brown, and the fronds will not be as erect and possibly leaning.

Kentias are slow growers. If you must prune do so selectively to the leaves and don't remove the entire frond.

The Kentia is a great interior plant, and more expensive than other palms. But, a properly maintained plant can be enjoyed for years and years.