Plants
Kentia palm care: light, water & problems
Scientific name: Howea forsteriana · Common name: Kentia palm
A palm with arching fronds and long leaflets; it grows slowly indoors.
Editorial revision:
Care at a glance
- Light
- Give indirect light, avoiding harsh sun that can scorch fronds.
- Watering
- Check mix moisture and let it drain; do not leave the pot base submerged.
How to identify it
A palm with arching fronds and long leaflets; it grows slowly indoors.
Light
Give indirect light, avoiding harsh sun that can scorch fronds.
Watering
Check mix moisture and let it drain; do not leave the pot base submerged.
Conditions vary with pot, season and location. Always check the mix and your plant's response.
Environment and placement
It prefers a stable position with room for fronds; avoid radiators and draughts.
Potting mix and feeding
Use a draining mix with room for roots, without leaving the pot base in water.
During active growth use suitable fertiliser as labelled; check dry air, light and water before feeding.
Problems to check
Brown tips have several possible causes: compare watering, salts and dry air.
How to assess yellow leavesCommon question
Is it a coconut palm?
No. Howea forsteriana and Cocos nucifera are distinct palms with different needs.
Botanical source
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