Last updated on January 1st, 2023 at 10:56 am
The Kentia Palm Plant Howea forsteriana. An easy-to-grow and care-for plant suitable for indoor decoration. Also known as the thatch palm and sentry palm. They will do great in USDA zones 9-11. You can plant them outdoors where temperatures never get below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Most folks use them for indoor decoration including many office buildings. You see them in Doctors’ offices, patient waiting rooms, and front entrances to banks and local motels. The main reasons are their attractive looks, easy care, and minimal maintenance requirements.
They are also slow growers. If taken care of correctly they could last year’s where they are placed. These indoor palms can withstand low light perfect for that dark corner where truly little light shines through.
How to Take Care of the Kentia Palm
Do not place them in full sun, especially during the sweltering hot Southwest sun. Nor in front of a large window with lots of sunlight shining through. The foliage will get sunburned. It likes the soil to be slightly dried out before watering again. It is best to fertilize about once per month and use an all-purpose plant food fertilizer. A liquid type or water-soluble type works best. An analysis of 20-20-20 will work well. Always water first then fertilize afterward. This is true for most indoor houseplants.
A good misting once or twice per week will help with dry air in the room. Place it in rooms where there is humidity nearby. They like temperatures between 65 and 75° F.
The Kentia Palm Plant in a decorative container.
Problems with This Plant
They are susceptible to mealybugs, whitefly, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. It is best to act asap when as you first see evidence of insects or disease. Insects will normally be on the undersides of the leaves. You can spray with neem oil to help kill insects and cure leaf spots and powdery mildew. It may take several applications before it works… be patient. You can read more about this plant on Wikipedia.
If your plant starts to turn brown at the tips of the leaves it is time to water more often. You can also snip off the tips with good scissors or good sharp pruners.
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