Kentia Palm is one of the most catchy plants being found in shopping malls and select plazas. Recently, it has started decorating indoor and outdoor spaces. For that reason, its decorative aspect comes first. This unique tropic plant is known as paradise palm and thatch palm. Also, its scientific name is Howea forsteriana. Besides, it is indigenous to Lord Howe Island. For centuries, variations of this plant have decorated so many gardens and even the focal points of palaces. So it is a classic plant. But unfortunately, its mature state is quite pricey. So starting from seed will be a decision in place on Kentia Palm growing.
General Information
Kentia Palm usually has herbaceous stems emerging from the plant’s base and thin, long, glossy green foliage. Also, it tolerates harsh conditions. So that is why it is a forgiving plant just like Cast Iron Plant. Interestingly, it blooms white in winter under natural conditions just like Lucky Bamboo. On the other hand, it rarely blossoms in indoor spaces. The dimensions of Kentia Palm are roughly 16,5 ft (5 m) and 10 ft (3 m). In terms of the life cycle, this hard-to-kill plant is perennial. Above all, it is pets(dogs & cats) friendly. So there is no need to bear question marks in minds about its safety.
How to Care For Howea Forsteriana
Sunlight: Despite being a durable plant, especially the long-neglected plants are vulnerable to direct sunlight. To avoid such problems, semi-shade spaces where diffused sunlight comes are better.
Watering: Howea Forsteriana wants regular watering in its growing season. For that reason, keeping the potting soil moist is crucial. So watering it weekly is enough. Differently, it needs sparingly watering in winter.
Humidity: Kentia Palm likes high humidity settings. To ensure it, there are some means of producing humidity. They are automatic humidifiers, wet pebble trays, and water sprays.
Temperature: The temperature range 65°F – 75°F (16°C – 24°C) is ideal for such plants. Also, it resists down to 21°F (-6°C). According to the USDA plant hardiness map, 9-11 zones are optimal to cultivate such plants.
Soil Type: Well-drained sandy soils are more efficient to have them grown. Also, potting soil with high porosity is preferable. To a certain degree, this plant is resistant to many external factors. However, its roots are susceptible as that much.
Fertilizer: Balanced water-soluble fertilizers help accelerate its growth. Such food of plant is more effective when given on the plant’s growing season. So feeding it monthly will suffice.
Propagation: The sole way is to start from seeds. Unfortunately, cutting stems does not work. Meanwhile, as long as dead leaves and alike do not occur, pruning is not necessary.
Repotting: In cases such as heavily damaged pots or overgrown plants, repotting requires. Ordinarily, repotting is done in the spring months. As usual, the next pot should be bigger than the existing one. For example, if your current one is a lego planter, the second one must be a big concrete planter. As a warning, water the plant the day before to prevent the transplant shock.
Common Problems
Yellowish foliage: It is related to overwatering in general. The drowned root cannot carry water and nutrients to the leaves. So the foliage gradually goes pale. The same sign could also be underwatering. In that way, it cannot perform its vital functions properly.
Mold spores: These forms are harmless in general. But they could be dangerous and invasive when bad conditions trigger them.
Pest Infestation: Red spiders, spider mites, aphids, scales, and other little creatures poses Kentia Palm a threat.
Suggestions for problems: To prevent yellowish foliage in the very beginning, the plant should be watered according to its season. But when the problem occurs, first of all, check the roots if they are rooted or did not. If it did not, change the soil. And go on its regular care. On the other hand, if mold spores worsen the plant, the soil should be immediately purged from them. For example, the potting soil can be washed with low-level bleach. When it comes to pest-infested plants, neem oils and bug repellents do great jobs.
Stylowa Pracownia Florystyczna
