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Howea forsteriana

Common name: Kentia palm · Sentry palm · Thatch palm

Howea forsteriana is an elegant palm endemic to Lord Howe Island off the east coast of Australia. It grows slowly into a single-trunked palm with gracefully drooping, dark green fronds, and is renowned for tolerating indoor conditions better than most palms.

Fun facts

  • It grows naturally only on Lord Howe Island, a small island between Australia and New Zealand.
  • It was a favorite of Victorian Europe and graced ballrooms, hotels, and ocean liners.
  • It is famously slow-growing, which makes large specimens expensive.
  • Kentia palms were reportedly among Queen Victoria's favorite palms.

Care summary

Sun Low to bright indirect light
Water Allow top soil to dry between waterings
Soil Well-draining, loamy potting mix
Hardiness Zones 9b–11
Mature height Up to 3 m (10 ft) indoors, 12 m (40 ft) in habitat
Pet safe Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Difficulty Moderate
Propagation Propagated only from seed, which is slow and demanding: soak fresh seed, sow it in a warm, moist, well-drained medium, and expect germination to take several months. Home propagation is rarely practical, so plants are usually bought as seedlings.

Make your own Kentia palm · Sentry palm · Thatch palm profile

Common problems

    • Raise humidity around the plant
    • Wipe leaves with a damp cloth
    • Apply insecticidal soap to leaf undersides
    • Mist foliage regularly in heated rooms
    • Keep away from radiators and drafts
    • Let the topsoil dry between waterings
    • Use a pot with drainage holes
    • Dab insects with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs
    • Repeat treatment weekly until clear